By Asaye Bankole
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the site of the ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Ejodame said technical teams from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had confirmed that the recovered recorder was intact.
He added that part of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had also been recovered, while efforts were ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining portion.
According to him, additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had also been recovered from the crash site.
He explained that recovery operations were continuing despite the difficult swampy terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components and facilitate further technical examinations.
Ejodame said the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based findings.
He added that the recovery exercise involved careful handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification carrying out the necessary procedures to establish the identities of the victims.
The NAF spokesperson further disclosed that the service had maintained contact with the families of the victims to provide information and support.
Engagements with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community were also ongoing.
He appealed to members of the public to remain patient, noting that the recovery and investigation processes required time, coordination and professional attention.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.
Air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.
The recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder and the partially retrieved Flight Data Recorder are expected to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash.
COMMENTS