Ondo crash: NAF, team Navy, NSIB divers recover aircraft components

By Lengnan Tobias

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF said specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have recovered aircraft components from the scene of its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed recently at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the divers were sustaining underwater search and recovery operations in support of the ongoing investigation of the crash.

“The divers are working assiduously to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation.

“The multi-agency teams are working tirelessly day and night to maintain sustained efforts, supported by hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and pumping out of excess water to facilitate access to relevant areas”, he said.

Recall that the NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft with registration number NAF 931, and with 25 persons comprising five crew and 20 passengers on board had crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State on Oct. 5.

NAF had on Tuesday announced the constitution of a 12-member specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to investigate the crash of the aircraft.

The board was saddled with the responsibility of establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash as well as recommending measures to prevent recurrence.

The Air announced the setting up of the Board just as the Senate called for through probe of the crash which claimed 25 lives.

The ​‌‌⁠‌‍⁠⁠‍​‍‌‌​‌‍​‌​resolution followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, during Tuesday’s plenary.

Ngwu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, drew the attention of lawmakers to the crash involving an ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931 on Oct. 5.

The Senate urged the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conduct a thorough, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the crash and make the findings public.

It also mandated its Committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage relevant Air Force authorities and assess the serviceability and airworthiness of military aircraft.

The Senate further urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for regular aircraft maintenance and the replacement of ageing military aircraft to safeguard the lives of military personnel.