NCAA Suspends Mattini Airline Over Ibadan Incident, Begins Probe

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked Mattini Airline Services Limited’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) in response to the Friday runway excursion involving its Challenger CL 601 aircraft, which had ten people on board.

In a statement released by the NCAA and signed by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the organization stated that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has opened an investigation into the incident in accordance with legal requirements.

According to the agency, the suspension will remain in place until it is ascertained that the PNCF’s requirements have been met.

Achimugu added that, “NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria. NCAA wishes to assure the travelling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.”

The statement reads in part: “NCAA is aware of the runway excursion involving a Challenger CL 601 aircraft, operated by Mattini Airline Services Limited, with registration marks N580KR at Ibadan Airport on 26th January, 2024.

“Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, PNCF. In line with statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has launched an investigation into the occurrence

“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.”

THE MATRIX had reported that the jet with registration number, N580KR, missed the runway and skidded into the nearby bush.

Firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were immediately deployed to the scene. But there was no death or casualty recorded.