The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday said it has recorded further progress in the recovery and investigation of the ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the retrieval of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which technical teams from the NAF and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have confirmed is intact.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to him, part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), also known as the black box, was recovered, while efforts to locate and retrieve its remaining portion are ongoing.
He added that additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had also been recovered.
The NAF said recovery operations were continuing in the challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate the necessary technical examinations.
It noted that the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based findings.
The Air Force added that the recovery process also involved careful handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) undertaking the necessary procedures for proper identification.
It said it had sustained engagements with the families of the victims, acknowledging their need for information and support.
The NAF also said discussions with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community remained an important part of its broader response.
While appreciating the public’s concern and interest, the Air Force appealed for continued patience and understanding, noting that the critical processes required time, careful coordination and professional attention.
“The ultimate objective is not only to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident but also to draw the necessary lessons to strengthen flight safety, enhance ongoing airpower operations and further safeguard the lives of personnel and citizens.
“The NAF remains committed to providing verified updates as appropriate,” the statement added.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.
The Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 people aboard, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, died in the accident.
The difficult terrain initially posed challenges to recovery efforts, prompting the Ondo State Government to deploy two amphibious machines, popularly known as swamp boogies, to improve access to the crash site. The Nigerian Navy and Marine Police also participated in the search and recovery operations.
On October 13, the NAF announced the constitution of a 12-member board to investigate the circumstances and causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The board, which includes representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the NSIB, is expected to examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the accident.
The recovery operation has also raised environmental concerns among residents of Igbokoda, particularly over reports of an offensive odour emanating from the river where the aircraft crashed.
The NAF assured the community of its commitment to engaging relevant authorities to assess and address any environmental concerns following the recovery exercise.
