The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.
The Air Force disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. It said recovery operations had also yielded additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains, while efforts continued to locate the remaining portion of the black box and other parts of the aircraft.
According to the statement, recovery teams are working in difficult swamp terrain to retrieve the outstanding components and prepare them for necessary technical examinations.
The Nigerian Air Force explained that the investigation into the October 5 crash was progressing with due diligence, stressing its commitment to obtaining comprehensive findings based on available evidence.
The Cockpit Voice Recorder captures conversations and other audio activities in an aircraft’s cockpit, while the Flight Data Recorder stores technical information about the aircraft’s operation. Both devices are important tools in aviation accident investigations as they can help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding a crash.
The ATR-42 aircraft crashed on October 5, 2026, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. There were 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The latest recovery marks a significant development in efforts to establish what led to the aircraft accident, although the investigation is still ongoing.
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