NCAA grounds two foreign aircraft over false clearance

The affected aircraft are Bombardier 700-100 with registration number G-RBEN Global express S/N 9083 operated by Gama Aviation, United (UK) Limited and Embraer 135 J with registration number XA-MHA.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded two foreign registered aircraft with immediate effect over allegations of illegal operation.

The affected aircraft are Bombardier 700-100 with registration number G-RBEN Global express S/N 9083 operated by Gama Aviation, United (UK) Limited and Embraer 135 J with registration number XA-MHA.

G-RBEN  aircraft was found operating in Nigeria’s airspace with falsified flight clearance information and conducting illegal domestic flight operations in Nigeria, said Capt. Muhtar Usman, director-general of NCAA on Sunday.

It also conducted illegal commercial revenue flight operations, contravening NCAA conditions and violated security regulations, added Usman.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Embraer 135BJ with registration marks XA-MHA was reported to have landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from London, Farnborough without any flight clearance on the 10th of September, 2015.

The statement added, "Reports from the Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) indicated that the crew informed them that they possess a ministerial approval for the flight. However, on landing; the crew could not produce any ministerial approval as claimed.

"The BD 700-100 is a United Kingdom Air Operators Certificate (AOC) holder and has been carrying out several domestic operations between Abuja and Lagos without the Authority’s Permit/Certification in accordance with Nigerian CARs Part 10."

The NCAA DG said both aircraft remain grounded while further investigation continues, adding that the aircraft country registry in UK Civil Aviation Authority, CAA, and Mexican Civil Aviation Authority [MCAA] would be notified as appropriate while the Legal and Enforcement department would suggest appropriate sanctions as soon investigation is concluded./