NCAA suspends two ValueJet pilots for departing without clearance at Abuja Airport

<img src="https://dmarketforces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/NCAA-Suspends-ValueJet-Pilots-Licences-over-Safety-Breach.jpg">Two pilots working with ValueJet have been suspended by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for what the agency described as a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.The pilots had their licences withdrawn after allegedly commencing departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.Michael Achimugu, NCAAs Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the development in a statement issued late Tuesday, stating that the authority was notified of the violation by the pilots themselves.A 23-second video shared on the X page (formerly Twitter) of the NCAA showed that the aircraft involved was a CRJ-900ER with registration number 5N-BXS. In the footage, the aircraft is seen taxiing from its bay while several ground staff remained in close proximity, indicating that it had not yet been cleared for departure. Some personnel were seen running away from the plane as it taxied at speed from the apron.The NCAA labelled the action as reckless and stated that it endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness, the authority stated, explaining that the breach prompted immediate enforcement action against the flight crew.The statement read: Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness. Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident. The Authority hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety."The post <a href="http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/8/ncaa-suspends-two-valuejet-pilots-for-departing-without-clearance-at-abuja-airport-2.html">NCAA suspends two ValueJet pilots for departing without clearance at Abuja Airport</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.lindaikejisblog.com">Linda Ikeji Blog</a>.
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