NAF makes breakthrough in Ondo crash investigation with recovery of cockpit recorder

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, in a major development in the investigation into the disaster that claimed 25 lives.

The recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has been confirmed intact by technical personnel from the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), according to a statement issued on Friday by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The recovery marks a significant step in efforts to establish what happened during the aircraft’s final moments before it went down on October 5.

Ejodame also disclosed that recovery teams had retrieved part of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box. Efforts are, however, continuing to locate and recover the remaining portion.

Additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains have also been retrieved from the crash site.

The recovery exercise has been complicated by the difficult swamp terrain in Igbokoda, where teams are still working to access outstanding aircraft components and prepare them for technical examination.

The Air Force said the investigation was being conducted carefully to ensure that its conclusions would be based on verifiable evidence.

It added that the Directorate of Identification and Classification was handling procedures for the proper identification of recovered human remains.

The service also confirmed that it had maintained communication with the families of those who died in the accident, while engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by residents of the host community.

NAF appealed for patience as recovery and investigative activities continued, stressing that the process required time, coordination and professional attention.

It said findings from the investigation would help establish the circumstances surrounding the disaster and provide lessons for improving aviation safety and protecting military personnel and other citizens.

The ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was undertaking a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda on October 5.

All 25 people aboard, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, died in the accident.

The aircraft reportedly broke into two sections, with its main body becoming submerged in the swamp, making the recovery of victims and critical components particularly challenging.