Ondo crash: Cockpit recorder, bodies recovered

The Nigerian Air Force has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder of the ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as well as additional human remains from the crash site.

The Air Force said the Cockpit Voice Recorder was intact, while only part of the Flight Data Recorder had been recovered, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining portion.

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

Ejodame said the recovery operation was being conducted jointly by technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

According to him, additional aircraft wreckage and engine components have also been retrieved from the crash site.

He said the operation was continuing in the difficult swamp terrain as the teams worked to recover the outstanding aircraft components for technical examination.

The recovered human remains were being handled by the Directorate of Identification and Classification for proper identification.

“The recovery process also involves careful attention to the proper handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification undertaking the necessary procedures for proper identification,” Ejodame said.

The NAF spokesman said the Air Force had maintained contact with the victims’ families to provide information and support.

He added that the military was engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.

Ejodame appealed for patience, saying the recovery and investigation required time, careful coordination, and professional attention.

He said the objective was to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify lessons that could strengthen flight safety.

The NAF pledged to provide further verified updates as the recovery and investigation progressed.