- Aircraft That Landed On Delta Road Linked To Dunamis Church As NCAA Launches Investigation
- NCAA is investigating alleged permit and regulatory violations.
- All occupants survived the incident without reported injuries.
The private aircraft that made an emergency landing on a road in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday has reportedly been linked to Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) established that the aircraft is registered in the United States in the name of the church, which is led by Senior Pastor Paul Enenche.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the aircraft was reportedly brought into Nigeria under a non-commercial flight permit, a category that restricts operators from using such aircraft for private charter services.
Sources, however, alleged that the conditions attached to the permit may have been breached.
It was gathered that the aircraft previously operated under the name Mounthill Ltd until 2025 before its operatorship was transferred to UMO Ltd, reportedly to facilitate the acquisition of a non-commercial flight permit.
UMO Ltd is said to be owned by Mike Olaoye, a member of the church. Following the incident, authorities reportedly suspended the permit pending the outcome of investigations.
The pilot of the aircraft, identified as Chris Baca, was also reportedly taken into custody over allegations that he exceeded the age limit permitted for pilots operating in Nigeria.
Sources claimed the pilot is 70 years old, which is five years above the maximum age limit allowed under Nigerian aviation regulations for certain categories of flight operations.
Providing an update on the incident, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said preliminary findings showed that the aircraft experienced a missed approach while attempting to land at Asaba Airport at approximately 7:43 a.m.
“Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.
“The aircraft had four crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” Achimugu stated.
He added that air traffic control authorities were only informed after the aircraft had already become airborne.
