The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member board to investigate the October 5 crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all those on board.
The Service announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the board would determine the circumstances and causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has also directed the continuation of search and recovery operations alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
According to the statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will chair the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the broader response.
The board comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other technical fields.
Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are also members of the board, bringing civilian aviation expertise to the investigation.
The NAF said the investigation would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.
“Its work will involve the systematic examination, documentation and preservation of relevant evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the occurrence,” the statement read.
The board will also review the emergency response to the incident, including search and rescue efforts, medical assistance, recovery operations and the management of the crash site.
According to the Service, the findings will inform evidence-based recommendations to address identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the risk of similar accidents.
NAF provides support for bereaved families
The Air Force said it had established a dedicated helpline at its headquarters under the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs to provide recorded next of kin with information and clarification regarding the incident.
It added that administrative arrangements had been activated, including meetings with affected families and other support measures.
The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the crash before the investigation is concluded.
“Conclusions regarding the cause of the accident would be premature until the investigation is completed and its findings are duly considered,” the statement added.
The Service reaffirmed that search, recovery and investigative operations remained a priority, assuring the public that appropriate safety recommendations arising from the board’s findings would be implemented.
