Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permit of Mattini Airline Services Limited after its jet overshot the runway at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that the challenger CL 601 aircraft conveying Very Important Personalities (VIPs) departed Abuja, and skidded into the nearby bush at the runway on Friday.
No fatality was recorded, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu in a statement on Friday said the aviation authority has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft in line with its permit for non-commercial flight (PNCF).
NCAA said, “Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF). In line with statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the occurrence.
“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.
“In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.”
According to the authority, the suspension will “subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.”
It added it has further initiated a safety and economic evaluation of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, NSIB said it has commenced a thorough investigation into the runway excursion incident involving the jet.
NSIB in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji, said it was open to receiving assistance from the public.
NSIB said, “We urge anyone with video clips, relevant evidence, or information pertaining to the incident to come forward and assist us in our investigation.
“The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved.”
It further advised the public not to assume the cause of the serious incident until a formal report is released.
