NAF forms 12-member team to probe Ondo plane crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has set up a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board. This board will find out what led to the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The aircraft, known as NAF 931, crashed on 5 October. Sadly, everyone on board died. The investigation aims to figure out the reasons behind the crash and suggest ways to stop such incidents from happening again.

A statement on Tuesday from the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, ordered ongoing search and recovery operations along with a thorough investigation into the crash.

F.O. Ankeli, an air vice marshal, will lead the 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board. The statement added that E.O.E. Ebiowe, who headed the Investigation and Recovery Team, will manage the broader response.

The board includes experts in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, and medical services. It also features representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to bring in civilian aviation knowledge.

“The Board is tasked with looking at all the operational, technical, environmental, human, and organizational factors related to the accident. Its work will include carefully examining, documenting, and preserving evidence to establish the facts and identify the immediate and underlying causes of the crash,” the statement noted.

The board will also make recommendations based on evidence to fix any problems found, boost aviation safety, and lower the chances of similar crashes happening in the future.

“Besides the operational and investigative efforts, the NAF is committed to helping the families affected during this tough time,” the statement added.

The NAF understands that the public is interested in the investigation. It promised to share updates as verified information comes in. But, it warned against jumping to conclusions about what caused the crash before the investigation is finished.

“Making conclusions about the cause of the crash would be too early until the investigation is done and its findings are properly reviewed,” the statement said.