The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced on Friday that it has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the site of the ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The NAF also confirmed the retrieval of a portion of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, while operations continue to locate the remaining segments of the device.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, stated that technical teams from the service and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have confirmed the CVR is intact. In a statement, Ejodame noted that recovery efforts have also yielded additional aircraft wreckage, engine components, and human remains.
“Operations are ongoing in the challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate the necessary technical examinations,” Ejodame said. “The investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings.”
The recovery process includes specific protocols for the handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) undertaking the necessary procedures for proper identification. The NAF has maintained sustained engagements with the families of the victims to provide information and support during this period.
Addressing broader community concerns, the NAF stated that engagement with relevant authorities regarding environmental issues raised by the host community remains a priority. The service appealed for public patience, noting that these critical processes require time, careful coordination, and professional attention.
The NAF emphasized that its ultimate objective is to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident to draw lessons that will strengthen flight safety and safeguard the lives of personnel and citizens. The air force remains committed to providing verified updates as the investigation progresses.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
