Asaba aircraft incident sparks NCAA action as authorities ground the jet, suspend permits and arrest pilot over alleged violations
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, grounded a private aircraft linked to Dunamis Church after an Asaba aircraft incident involving a landing on a roadway near Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.
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The aviation regulator also suspended the operator’s permit and arrested the pilot, Chris Baca, over alleged breaches, including claims that the pilot exceeded Nigeria’s approved age limit for active commercial aviation operations.
Sources familiar with the investigation told TheCable that the aircraft was registered in the United States in the name of Dunamis Church and was brought into Nigeria under a Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) permit.
Aviation regulations stipulate that aircraft operating under the permit are not to be used for private charter services. Authorities are now investigating whether the condition was violated.
The aircraft previously operated under Mounthill Ltd until 2025 before its operatorship changed to UMO Ltd to obtain the PNCF permit, which has now been suspended following the incident.
The NCAA said preliminary findings showed that the aircraft carried out a missed approach while attempting to land at Asaba Airport at about 7:43am before it ended up on the nearby roadway.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed that all occupants escaped safely and were transported to Asaba by road.
“The aircraft had four crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” Achimugu said.
The regulator also revealed that the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required approval. Air traffic control was reportedly informed only after the aircraft had become airborne.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the conclusion of investigations.
Authorities are expected to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while further legal action may follow over the alleged regulatory violations.
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The development has raised fresh concerns about aviation compliance and the enforcement of safety standards within Nigeria’s private aviation sector.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
