NAF Recovers Cockpit Voice Recorder From Ondo Aircraft Crash Site

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded further progress in the investigation into the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the recovery of the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

1. The NAF also disclosed that parts of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had been retrieved, while efforts were ongoing to locate and recover the remaining portion.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder has been confirmed intact by technical teams from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The recovery is considered a significant development in the ongoing investigation, as information contained in the aircraft’s recording devices could provide investigators with important evidence about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF said additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had also been recovered from the crash site.

It explained that recovery operations were continuing in the difficult swamp terrain of Igbokoda, with technical teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components and facilitate the necessary examinations.

“Operations are ongoing in the challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate the necessary technical examinations.

“The investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings,” the statement said.

The Air Force stressed that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, with the recovered materials subjected to the appropriate technical examinations to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The recovery of the CVR and portions of the FDR is expected to support the investigation by providing potentially valuable information about the aircraft’s operations and events preceding the crash.

The NAF, however, did not disclose any preliminary findings or indicate when the investigation would be concluded.

The statement also highlighted the importance of handling recovered human remains with care and respect, noting that the Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) was undertaking the necessary procedures for proper identification.

The Air Force said it remained conscious of the emotional and humanitarian dimensions of the incident, particularly the concerns of families whose loved ones were involved in the crash.

It disclosed that engagements with the victims’ families had been sustained, with the military recognising their need for timely information and support throughout the recovery and investigation process.

The NAF further said it was maintaining discussions with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.

“Engagement with relevant authorities on environmental concerns raised by the host community also remains an important part of the broader response,” the statement added.

The Air Force assured that the ongoing operations would continue until the outstanding components were recovered and the necessary technical assessments completed.

The investigation is expected to provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the crash, while the recovery efforts remain focused on retrieving relevant evidence, identifying human remains and addressing concerns raised by affected families and the host community.

The NAF reiterated its commitment to a thorough and evidence-based investigation, with the objective of establishing the facts surrounding the incident.