The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ejodame said that the board was saddled with the responsibility of establishing the circumstances surrounding the Oct. 5, air crash at Ogbokoda in Ondo State as well as recommending measures to prevent recurrence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Oct. 5.
The Investigation and Recovery Team is headed by AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe, who is coordinating the wider response, while AVM Francis Ankeli, serves as President of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
According to him, the arrangement will ensure a coordinated approach to recovery operations alongside a structured, specialist investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
He said the 12-member board comprised experienced personnel with specialist expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other relevant technical disciplines.
He added that the board also includes representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), bringing additional civilian aviation expertise to the process.
“This multi-disciplinary composition is intended to support a thorough, objective and credible investigation guided by established aviation safety procedures,” he said.
Ejodame said the board was mandated to examine relevant operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the accident.
He said its work would also involve the systematic examination, documentation and preservation of relevant evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the occurrence.
According to him, the process will be conducted in accordance with applicable procedures, with due regard for the integrity of evidence and the need for conclusions grounded in objective technical analysis.
“The investigation will also assess relevant aspects of the emergency response, including search and rescue, medical response, recovery operations and accident-site management.
“The board is expected to make practical, evidence-based recommendations to address any identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences.
“The participation of civilian aviation safety specialists further reinforces the importance attached to technical collaboration, professional scrutiny and accountability.”
The NAF spokesman also said that beyond the operational and investigative response, the air force remained committed to supporting the bereaved families through the difficult period.
He added that in addition to ongoing engagement with the families, the service had established a direct help line at Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, within the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to facilitate access to timely and appropriate information whenever required.
He explained that the help line provided recorded Next of Kin (NOKs) with a direct channel for enquiries and clarification as the process progressed.
“Administrative processes have been activated at Headquarters NAF, including the organisation of meetings with affected families and other support arrangements to provide timely assistance and practical support during this period of profound grief and emotional distress,” he said.
Ejodame further said that the NAF recognised the public’s legitimate interest in the ongoing process and remained committed to providing appropriate updates as verified information becomes available.
He said while ensuring responsible communication, the service would protect sensitive investigative information and preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
He added that conclusions regarding the cause of the accident would be premature until the investigation was completed and its findings duly considered.
“The Nigerian Air Force assures the public that the search, recovery and investigative efforts remain a priority.
“Under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, the service remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding this tragic incident, supporting the affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation.
“The NAF will continue to approach the process with diligence, compassion, accountability and professional responsibility, mindful of the profound loss suffered by the families and the wider service,” he added.(NAN)
