The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member specialist board to investigate the 5 October crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search and recovery operations continue. The board is expected to establish the circumstances and causes of the accident and recommend measures…...
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member specialist board to investigate the 5 October crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search and recovery operations continue.
The board is expected to establish the circumstances and causes of the accident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The NAF disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the crash.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident,” the statement said.
It added that Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, was coordinating the wider response, while Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli would serve as president of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
The 12-member board comprises personnel with expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance and medical services.
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Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are also members of the board to provide additional civilian aviation expertise.
The statement said the board would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the accident.
“Its work will involve the systematic examination, documentation and preservation of relevant evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the occurrence,” it added.
The board will also assess the emergency response to the incident, including search and rescue activities, medical response, recovery operations and management of the accident site.
According to the NAF, the investigation is expected to produce evidence-based recommendations to address any identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the likelihood of similar accidents.
The service cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the crash before the investigation is completed.
“Conclusions regarding the cause of the accident would be premature until the investigation is completed and its findings are duly considered,” the statement said.
Beyond the investigation, the NAF said it had activated support arrangements for the families of those affected by the tragedy.
It disclosed that a dedicated helpline had been established at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, within the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide recorded next of kin with timely information and clarification.
Administrative arrangements have also been activated, including meetings with affected families and other support measures to assist them during the period of mourning.
The statement added that the service recognised the public’s interest in the investigation and would provide updates as verified information became available, while protecting sensitive investigative details.
“The Nigerian Air Force assures the public that the search, recovery and investigative efforts remain a priority,” the statement said.
It reaffirmed the service’s commitment to establishing the facts surrounding the accident, supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation.