The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of the ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, reportedly crashed on October 5, 2026, during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, with five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, noting that technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had confirmed that the recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder was intact.
He added that part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had also been recovered, while efforts were ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining portion.
According to the statement, recovery teams have also retrieved additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains from the crash site.
Ejodame explained that recovery operations were continuing despite the challenging swampy terrain, with technical teams working to retrieve outstanding components for further examination.
Related News:
Ondo Air Crash: Search Continues for Bodies, Aircraft Wreckage
NAF Releases Names of 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash
32 Passengers, Crew Feared Dead In Ondo Military Aircraft Crash
He assured that the investigation was being conducted thoroughly and based on available evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF spokesperson further disclosed that the Directorate of Identification and Classification was handling the proper identification of recovered human remains.
He also stated that the Air Force remained in contact with the families of the victims, providing necessary information and support, while engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.
The NAF appealed for patience and understanding, stressing that the recovery and investigation processes required careful coordination and professional attention.
It reaffirmed its commitment to providing verified updates, adding that the investigation would help establish the cause of the accident and identify lessons to improve flight safety and protect personnel and citizens.
About the Author
