Ondo Crash: NAF Begins Probe As FG Moves To Strengthen Aviation Safety
The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an investigation into the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery teams continue efforts to retrieve the wreckage and remains of victims from the swampy crash site.
The development came as the Federal Government moved to strengthen cooperation between civil and military aviation authorities, with the aim of improving safety standards and preventing future air disasters.
A military source confirmed that a board of inquiry had been activated to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, adding that the Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation traditionally chairs such investigations.
According to the source, the investigation is being conducted alongside the recovery operation because findings from the recovery process would form part of the inquiry.
The source said the difficult terrain had slowed the recovery operation, explaining that the aircraft was deeply submerged in the swamp and that specialised floating equipment provided by a private construction company was being used to clear access routes.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, also confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
Ejodame explained that the Air Force follows established aircraft investigation procedures and that the outcome of the preliminary investigation would be made public.
He also clarified reports concerning the number of people on board, explaining that the aircraft had 25 souls on board, comprising five active crew members and two additional crew members who were travelling as passengers.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, visited the crash site and directed that search and recovery operations should continue.
The governor described the incident as a national tragedy and said the difficult terrain had hampered efforts to locate the main body of the aircraft. He subsequently directed the deployment of amphibious machines to create wider access to the crash site.
The Nigerian Navy also deployed sonar equipment from its Hydrographic Department to assist in locating the submerged wreckage.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the equipment was deployed to provide an underwater picture of the mapped-out area and assist the recovery team.
FG Moves To Strengthen Aviation Safety
The crash has also prompted renewed efforts to deepen cooperation between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, agreed to strengthen collaboration in aviation safety, including capacity building, airworthiness and certification.
Keyamo, who paid a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff, said the incident had underscored the need for closer cooperation between the civil and military aviation sectors.
He disclosed that a joint committee involving the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Air Force would be established to promote collaboration in areas including airworthiness, certification and training.
Aneke welcomed the initiative, saying stronger cooperation and professional training would help improve aviation safety across the country.
He stressed that both civil and military aviation authorities had a shared responsibility to protect Nigerians and improve the standards of the aviation industry.
Meanwhile, former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, called for a broader investigation into the operations, maintenance and condition of Nigeria’s military aircraft.
Ejiofor said the frequency of military aircraft crashes should prompt the authorities to examine aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and record-keeping, while urging investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest incident.
He also stressed the importance of recovering the aircraft’s black boxes, saying they could provide crucial information about what happened before the crash.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had expressed sadness over the incident and ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, while declaring three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.