NSIB and Navy Conduct Underwater Search for NAF Crash

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Navy are engaged in round-the-clock underwater search and recovery operations at the site of the Nigerian Air Force ATR 42-500 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. This operation commenced after the aircraft crashed on October 5.

The NSIB announced that the multi-agency team has successfully recovered additional aircraft components, which are crucial for the ongoing investigation. The recovery efforts are complicated by the swampy terrain, requiring specialized equipment and techniques such as hydrographic surveys, satellite synthetic aperture radar imagery, mud excavation, and continuous water pumping.

These methods are aimed at assessing the submerged site and improving access to the wreckage. The NSIB did not disclose specific details about the components recovered or the extent of the aircraft retrieved, but emphasized that the search remains active to secure all relevant materials for the investigation into the crash.