The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a high-level panel to investigate the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, announced the probe on Thursday during a visit to the crash site, where recovery teams were still struggling to retrieve the main body of the aircraft three days after the incident.
Aircraft crashed on Monday while conducting a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, with 25 people on board, according to the NAF.
Despite the deployment of heavy machinery to clear the surrounding bushes and excavate the swamp, the main fuselage remained buried beneath the mud as of Thursday.
Aneke said he had directed the NAF Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to assemble a team comprising military and civilian aviation safety experts, including representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Accident Investigation Bureau and other relevant emergency and safety agencies.
The panel will also include retired senior military officers and experienced NAF personnel, he said.
“I had informed my Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to come up with a high-level delegation comprising both military and civilian safety experts, NTSB, Accident and Emergency Management Board, retired senior officers, experienced air force officers, to sit down and get to the bottom of what happened,” Aneke said.
He cautioned against speculation over the cause of the crash, urging the public to allow aviation and safety specialists to establish what happened.
“This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with you, and the general public, we’ve lost people who are fighting for the nation. The best we can do for them is to be a little bit patient and let those who are the specialists get to the bottom of what has happened,” he said.
Aneke described the incident as a major loss and said he personally knew the personnel who were on board the aircraft.
“I basically knew everyone on that flight. I’ve flown on this aeroplane. My family has flown on this aeroplane. I know each of the crew personally. Highly trained, professional, and intelligent officers,” he said.
He assured the families of the victims that the armed forces would provide the necessary support and take steps to ensure their safety and welfare.
“I want to assure the families of our loved ones that the Nigerian Armed Forces will keep you on guard in ensuring that you are safe,” he said.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need.”
Recovery efforts have involved the Ondo State Government, security agencies and residents of the affected community.
State authorities deployed two swamp buggies to improve access to the difficult terrain and assist with the excavation of the aircraft.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had, however, expressed concern over the failure to locate and retrieve the main body of the aircraft despite three days of intensive efforts.
So far, recovery teams have brought only torn clothing, human remains and pieces of the aircraft’s panels to shore.
Aneke commended the Ondo State Government and residents for their contribution to the recovery operation, particularly the local people who he said were among the first responders after the crash.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Naval base here. Words cannot describe how we Nigerians come together when things go sour,” he said.
