NAF Constitutes 12-Member Board to Investigate ATR 42 Aircraft Crash in Ondo

Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to investigate the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.

The board is tasked with establishing the circumstances surrounding the accident, identifying its immediate and underlying causes, and recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, the Service disclosed that search and recovery operations had been intensified following the incident.

According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.

The NAF said Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli had been appointed President of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe would coordinate the wider investigation and recovery response.

The 12-member board comprises experienced specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other technical disciplines.

It also includes representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to ensure a thorough, objective and credible investigation.

The statement explained that the board would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the accident, while ensuring the proper documentation and preservation of relevant evidence.

It added that the investigation would assess the emergency response, including search and rescue operations, medical intervention, recovery efforts and management of the accident site.

The findings are expected to produce practical recommendations aimed at addressing identified deficiencies, strengthening aviation safety and reducing the likelihood of similar occurrences.

Meanwhile, the Air Force disclosed that it had established a dedicated helpline at its headquarters, under the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide affected families and recorded next of kin with timely information and clarification.

The Service said arrangements had also been made for meetings with bereaved families and the provision of necessary administrative and welfare support.While expressing condolences to families, colleagues and others affected by the tragedy, the NAF assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with established aviation safety procedures.

It cautioned against speculation over the cause of the accident, stressing that conclusions would be premature until the investigation was completed.

NThe Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the implementation of safety recommendations arising from the investigation, promising to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.