The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the permit for non-commercial flights of an unnamed operator after a United States-registered Challenger 601-3A landed on an under-construction public road near Asaba on June 10.
Although the company whose permit has been suspended has not been disclosed, ch-aviation research shows the aircraft appears on the website and social media channels of VMO Aero (Lagos).
The 1988-built jet, N989BC (msn 5021), departed Lagos early on June 10 for Asaba. After a missed approach, the aircraft landed on an unfinished public road nearby. The NCAA statement confirms all occupants exited safely and continued to Asaba by road. Four crew members were also on board.
A few hours later, the aircraft departed for Lagos without approval. Air traffic control was informed after departure. On arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was grounded pending the outcome of NCAA investigations, and the crew has been placed under regulatory review.
The NCAA formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and is coordinating with the relevant stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
As part of the investigation, all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight records will be reviewed. The authority will take further enforcement action in accordance with the applicable aviation regulations.
The Challenger 601-3A appears on VMO Aero's website and social media channels. The aircraft management and executive charter specialist lists a fleet that includes Embraer Executive Jets, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Hawker Beechcraft jets, alongside rotary-wing assets.
ch-aviation confirms that VMO Aero manages at least another US-registered aircraft, a 1990-built GIV added in early 2025.
ch-aviation contacted the NCAA and VMO Aero for further clarification.
