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 recovery operations and investigations into the incident continue.
The recovery marks an important development in efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, although investigators are yet to announce any findings on its cause.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had confirmed that the recovered recorder was intact.
The Air Force also disclosed that part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had been retrieved, while efforts were ongoing to locate and recover the remaining portion.
The ongoing operation has also yielded additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains.
Ejodame said recovery teams were working under challenging conditions in the swamp terrain to retrieve outstanding aircraft components and support the technical examination of the wreckage.
He assured that the investigation was being conducted carefully to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based findings.
On the recovered human remains, the NAF said its Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) was handling the necessary procedures to establish the identities of the victims.
The Air Force added that it had maintained contact with the victims’ families to provide relevant information and support throughout the recovery process.
Discussions with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community are also continuing as part of the broader response to the incident.
Acknowledging public interest and concerns surrounding the crash, the NAF appealed for patience, explaining that recovery and investigative procedures required time, professional expertise and careful coordination.
The military said the ultimate objective was to establish the circumstances surrounding 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 updates as recovery operations and investigations progress.
Source: Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
