The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its search and recovery efforts following the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026. The NAF has also set up a special Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to investigate the cause of the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, has ordered ongoing search and recovery operations along with a thorough investigation of the event.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, led by Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli, comprises 12 members with expertise in various fields, including aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services, and other related areas. The board also includes representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to provide additional civil aviation expertise during the investigation. The NAF stated that the board will analyze operational, technical, environmental, human factors, and organizational issues related to the accident.
The investigation will systematically collect and preserve evidence to uncover what happened and identify both immediate and underlying causes of the crash. The board will also examine the emergency response efforts, including search and rescue operations, medical care, recovery actions, and management of the accident site. The NAF has pledged to support families who are grieving, setting up a direct help line at the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, to offer timely information and answer questions from affected families.
In addition to the investigation, the NAF has arranged meetings and other forms of support to help families during their time of sorrow. The Service has assured everyone that it will share updates as verified information comes in while protecting sensitive details about the investigation and maintaining its integrity. The NAF has warned against jumping to conclusions about what caused the accident and emphasized that findings will only be shared after completing and reviewing the investigation.
The NAF has confirmed its dedication to carrying out search, recovery, and investigative work with care, compassion, accountability, and professionalism. The Service will ensure that any safety recommendations resulting from the investigation are put into action. According to the NAF, the investigation will look into various factors, including human error, technical issues, and environmental conditions, to determine the cause of the crash.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board will provide recommendations based on evidence to fix any problems found, improve aviation safety, and lower the chances of similar accidents happening in the future. The NAF has expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process. The investigation is being led by Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Biowe, who is heading the Investigation and Recovery Team.
The NAF has urged the public to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed before drawing conclusions about the cause of the accident. The Service has also thanked the public for their support and cooperation during this difficult time. With the investigation ongoing, the NAF will continue to provide updates on the progress of the search and recovery efforts.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has set up a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to investigate the cause of the ATR 42 aircraft crash in Ondo State.
- The investigation will analyze operational, technical, environmental, human factors, and organizational issues related to the accident.
- The NAF has pledged to support families who are grieving and has set up a direct help line to offer timely information and answer questions.
