•NAF air crash
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has set up a 12-member board to investigate the October 5 crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which killed all those on board.
The Service announced the development in a statement today, saying the board would establish the circumstances and causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has also directed sustained search and recovery operations alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
According to the statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will head the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider 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 part of the board to provide civilian aviation expertise.
The NAF said the investigation would cover 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 assess the emergency response to the incident, including search and rescue, medical assistance, recovery operations and the management of the crash site.
The Service said the findings would inform evidence-based recommendations aimed at addressing identified deficiencies, improving aviation safety and reducing the risk of similar accidents.
On support for the bereaved families, the NAF said it had established a direct helpline at its headquarters, under the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide recorded next of kin with information and clarification.
It added that administrative arrangements had been activated, including meetings with affected families and other support measures.
The Air Force urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions 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 NAF said search, recovery and investigative operations remained a priority, assuring that appropriate safety recommendations arising from the board’s findings would be implemented.
