The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed key details about the crew, noting that the aircraft was operated under U.S. aviation standards and registered in the United States. According to officials, the pilot-in-command is 75 years old, while the co-pilot is 70, both holding American pilot licences.
Speaking during an appearance on News Night, an Arise TV programme, the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training at the NCAA, Capt. Don Spiff, stressed that the pilots were not considered overaged under the rules governing their certification.
“The pilot is 75. The co-pilot is 70. The pilot is not over-aged in America. The standards in Nigeria are slightly different from America,” he said.
He explained that the aircraft operates under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and carries a “November” registration, indicating its American origin. He also noted that the operator involved is VMO Aero, a Nigerian company, although ownership details are still under investigation.
Capt. Spiff further clarified that the matter is being handled initially by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB), which is responsible for probing serious aviation incidents before any regulatory follow-up by the NCAA.
“Investigations have already started on this incident… if they determine that it is not a serious incident, then they will hand it over to the NCAA,” he said.
One of the most critical concerns raised was the aircraft’s unexpected landing on a road and the subsequent attempt to take off again. The NCAA official strongly criticised that decision, describing it as unauthorized and dangerous.
“For him to have taken off, it was not allowed because he did not obtain any clearance for takeoff. He did a kamikaze (suicide mission) action. There will be penalties,” he stated.
According to him, the aircraft had originally filed a flight plan from Lagos to Asaba and had attempted to land there but was forced to perform a go-around. How it eventually ended up on a newly constructed road remains unclear and is now part of the ongoing investigation.
“How he ended up landing on a strip or a road… only the pilot and his God could determine,” he added.
The NCAA also confirmed that the aircraft’s commercial certificate (PNCF) has been suspended pending further review.
On broader aviation safety concerns, Capt. Spiff dismissed fears that the incident reflects systemic issues in Nigeria’s airspace.
“I must say at this point that for one incident to have happened in so many months and years should not question the safety of Nigerian airspace. The Nigerian airspace is very safe. This was an isolated incident,” he said.
Authorities say the final determination will depend on findings from the ongoing investigation, which will clarify whether human error, technical fault, or other factors led to the unusual landing.