NAF recovers cockpit voice recorder of crashed military aircraft in Ondo

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) at the scene of the ATR-42 aircraft accident in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The challenging search for the CVR has gone one for about a month since the crash occurred on 5 October.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, an air commodore, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Ejodame said the CVR was confirmed intact by technical teams from NAF and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

He said part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly referred to as black box, was also retrieved, while efforts to locate and recover its remaining portion continued.

He said additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains have also been recovered.

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

“Investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings,” he said.

Mr Ejodame said the recovery process also involved careful attention to proper handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) undertaking necessary procedures for proper identification.

He added that NAF had sustained engagements with families of victims, recognising their need for information and support.

According to him, engagement with relevant authorities on environmental concerns raised by the host community also remains an important part of broader response.

“While appreciating the public’s concern and interest, NAF appeals for continued patience and understanding as these critical processes require time, careful coordination and professional attention.

“Ultimate objective is not only to establish circumstances surrounding the crash, but also to draw necessary lessons to strengthen flight safety, enhance ongoing airpower operations and further safeguard lives of personnel and citizens.”

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos, crashed on 5 October into a swamp near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda on Monday, killing all 25 people on board.

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Officials say the aircraft came down, breaking into two, with its main body fully submerged in the swamp with a refusal level of about 30 metres.

The development made recovery of dead bodies and the parts of the aircraft difficult.

The difficult terrain greatly hampered rescue operations, and the military and government authorities were initially unsure how to approach the challenge.

PREMIUM TIMES reported last month the commencement of efforts to recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder of the ATR-42 aircraft.