Nigerian Jet Lands on Construction Road Near Asaba Airport, No Injuries

A preliminary investigation by Nigeria's Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) found that a Bombardier Challenger 601‑3A (registration N989BC) operated by VMO Aero mistakenly landed on a paved road under construction near Asaba Airport on June 10. The flight, returning from Lagos, had aborted an initial approach, repositioned for Runway 11 and, believing they were aligned with the RNAV procedure, completed a second approach that placed the aircraft on the unfinished roadway.

Seven people on board – four crew and three passengers – were unharmed. After stopping, the aircraft was inspected, the passengers disembarked safely, and the jet later taxied off the road and departed back to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Damage was noted to the left nose‑wheel assembly. Investigators cited runway‑identification errors and cockpit disagreement; no mechanical failure was found. The NSIB continues technical analysis of cockpit voice and flight‑data recordings.

The incident prompted remarks from Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, who confirmed the landing clearance and highlighted security concerns, but emphasized that the aircraft’s systems functioned normally.