NCAA probes landing of plane on Benin-Ore highway

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has begun investigation of the recent landing of a helicopter on the Benin-Ore Expressway, disclosing that the aircraft belongs to a local operator.

The apex regulator is also probing the circumstances that led to the unusual practice and compliance with extant regulatory rules.

The AW139 rotary wing facility, owned by Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited, and with registration number 5N–BVQ, according to a video footage making the rounds, landed in a traffic gridlock on the highway at the weekend, to pick passengers.

Eyewitness reports suggest that a popular billionaire and a lady were the target of the chopper service.

The NCAA, however, said investigations were ongoing.

Its General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, stated that initial reports indicated that “the pilot was compelled to land between Benin and Ore in an unscheduled diversion to pick up someone.”