The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the site of the ATR 42-500 aircraft crash that occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as investigations into the tragic accident continue.
In a statement issued on Friday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the voice recorder was found intact and its condition had been verified by technical experts from both the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
According to him, investigators have also retrieved part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining section of the device.
Ejodame disclosed that recovery teams have recovered additional aircraft debris, engine components and human remains from the crash site despite the difficult swampy terrain.
He noted that operations are continuing under challenging conditions as personnel work to retrieve outstanding wreckage and facilitate the technical examinations required for a comprehensive investigation.
The Air Force spokesman stressed that the inquiry is being conducted meticulously to ensure that findings are based on verified evidence and a thorough assessment of all relevant factors.
He added that authorities are also paying close attention to the proper identification and handling of victims’ remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification carrying out the necessary procedures.
NAF, he said, has maintained communication with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, while also engaging local authorities and community leaders on environmental concerns arising from the crash.
Ejodame appealed for patience and understanding from the public, noting that such investigations require careful coordination and professional handling.
He explained that beyond establishing the cause of the accident, the objective is to generate lessons that will improve flight safety, strengthen air operations and better protect both military personnel and civilians.
The ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, crashed on 5 October 2026 in a swampy area near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State during a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.
All 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident after air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m.
Following the crash, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning as recovery and investigation efforts commenced.