Sole US aviator and a higher power are the only ones aware of how plane ended up on Delta highway

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board, NSIB, has launched an investigation into the mysterious landing of a private aircraft with registration number N989BC on a road in the Ogwashi-Uku area of Delta State, an incident that continues to generate reactions.

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The pilot of the private aircraft is an American-licensed pilot aged 75, while the co-pilot is 70, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, which also disclosed that the aircraft had a flight plan filed from Lagos to Asaba.

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The NCAA Director of Operations, Licensing and Training, Capt Don Spiff, explained that the pilot made an approach in Asaba but was unable to land, and instead ended up landing on a newly constructed road, a decision that only the pilot can explain.

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Spiff stated that both pilots held American licences and operated under United States aviation regulations, and that neither of them was considered overaged under the applicable rules, and the aircraft was American registered.

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The NCAA Director faulted the pilot's decision to take off from the road after the incident, describing the action as unauthorised, and noted that investigations into the incident have already started.

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Spiff clarified that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Board, NSIB, is mandated to carry out investigations on serious incidents and accidents, and that if the incident is not deemed serious, it will be handed over to the NCAA.

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The pilots who flew the aircraft have American licences, with the pilot being 75 and the co-pilot being 70, and according to Spiff, they are not overaged in America, but the standards in Nigeria are slightly different.

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In Nigeria, the age limit for commercial flying is 65, after which pilots are no longer allowed to fly commercially, but the country is reviewing its regulations, and it is proposed that after 65, a Nigerian pilot can fly private if they pass a first-class medical.

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However, the pilots in question are not flying with Nigerian licences, and the owners of the aircraft will be revealed during the investigation, which will also determine if there was any ulterior motive behind the incident.

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The operator of the aircraft is VMO Aero, a Nigerian company, but the aircraft is American registered, and the pilots hold American FAA licences and operate under part 91 and part 135 of the regulations of the FAA.

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Spiff noted that the pilot's decision to take off without clearance was not allowed and will result in penalties, and the NCAA has suspended their commercial certificate, known as a PNCF.

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Regarding the safety of Nigerian airspace, Spiff stated that one incident should not raise questions about the safety of the airspace, and that the Nigerian airspace is very safe, with this being an isolated incident.