Ondo Air Crash: NAF Recovers Cockpit Voice Recorder, Human Remains
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The recovery marks a major development in efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the October 5, 2026, accident.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, November 6.
According to him, technical teams from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the recovered cockpit voice recorder was intact.
Ejodame also said part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had been recovered, while efforts were ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining portion.
He added that additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had also been recovered from the crash site.
The Air Force noted that recovery operations were continuing in the difficult swamp terrain, with technical teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components for detailed examination.
The statement said the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based findings.
The NAF further explained that the recovered human remains were being handled carefully, with its Directorate of Identification and Classification undertaking procedures to ensure proper identification.
The service also disclosed that it had maintained contact with the families of the victims to provide necessary information and support.
It added that engagements with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community remained part of its response to the incident.
The Air Force appealed to the public for patience and understanding, stressing that the recovery and investigation processes required time, careful coordination and professional attention.
It said the ultimate objective was to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify lessons that would strengthen flight safety, improve air operations and protect the lives of military personnel and civilians.
The ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed into a swampy area near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on October 5, 2026.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed.
All 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.
The recovery operation has been hampered by the difficult swamp terrain, while investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
