By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered an intact Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the site of the ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as efforts to retrieve remaining wreckage and investigate the accident continue.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, confirming that technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had verified the condition of the recovered recorder.
According to the statement, part of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, has also been recovered, while search teams are working to locate and retrieve the remaining portion.
The ongoing recovery operation has also yielded additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains.
Ejodame said the operation was continuing in difficult swamp terrain, with technical teams working to recover outstanding aircraft components and support the necessary investigations.
He explained that the investigation was being conducted through a careful, evidence-based process to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
On the recovery and handling of human remains, the Air Force said its Directorate of Identification and Classification was carrying out the necessary procedures to ensure proper identification.
The NAF also disclosed that it had maintained contact with families of the victims to provide information and support during the recovery process.
Engagements with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community are also ongoing as part of the broader response to the accident.
The Air Force appealed for patience and understanding, noting that the recovery and investigation processes require time, professional expertise and careful coordination.
It stressed that recovering the flight recorders would be important in establishing what happened before the aircraft went down.
According to the statement, the ultimate objective is to determine the circumstances of the accident, identify lessons that could improve flight safety and strengthen measures to protect military personnel and members of the public.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to providing verified information as the recovery operation and investigation progress.
Source: Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
