- The NCAA said ValueJet pilot initiated departure without mandatory clearance, endangering ground staff and other airport users.
- The NCAA described the pilots’ actions as a violation of civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots attached to ValueJet over a safety breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred at the domestic terminal, involved a ValueJet flight that allegedly violated key aviation safety procedures.
Director of public affairs and consumer protection at the NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Achimugu said the Authority received reports of a serious breach of aviation safety protocols linked to the ValueJet flight on August 5.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the pilot initiated departure procedures without securing the mandatory pre-departure clearance.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” he said.
Achimugu noted that the NCAA viewed the incident with utmost seriousness, considering the potential risks involved.
He added, “Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.”
Achimugu stated that the suspension would remain in force until a comprehensive investigation into the matter is concluded.
He emphasised the Authority’s commitment to upholding safety protocols and ensuring compliance across the aviation sector.
“The NCAA remains steadfast in its mandate to enforce adherence to safety procedures to protect all stakeholders within the aviation industry,” Achimugu said.