The Nigerian Air Force has constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to determine the cause of the October 5 crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed sustained search and recovery operations alongside a comprehensive investigation into the crash.
Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, is coordinating the wider response, while Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli will lead the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
The 12-member 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 team.
The board will examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organizational factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Its work will include examining, documenting and preserving relevant evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
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The investigation will also assess the emergency response, including search and rescue, medical assistance, recovery operations and accident-site management.
The board is expected to recommend measures to address identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the risk of similar accidents.
The investigation will follow established aviation safety procedures, with conclusions on the cause of the crash deferred until the process is completed.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has established a dedicated helpline at its headquarters, within the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide the recorded next of kin of those affected with information and clarification as the process progresses.
Administrative arrangements have also been activated, including meetings with affected families and other support measures to assist them during the period of grief.
The Air Force has pledged to provide updates as verified information becomes available while protecting sensitive investigative details.
Search and recovery operations, the investigation and support for affected families remain priorities as the service works to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Teetvnews
