NSIB Declines Investigation of Ondo NAF Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that it will not conduct an investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, unless it receives a formal invitation from military authorities. This decision is based on the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, which designates military authorities as responsible for investigating military aviation accidents.

The NSIB clarified that its stance is not a refusal to assist but a recognition of legal responsibilities. The aircraft was involved in an accident while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, and the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the incident, initiating search and rescue operations.

Although the NSIB will not directly investigate, it is willing to provide technical assistance if requested, including deploying investigators and offering access to its Flight Safety Laboratory for data recovery and analysis. The NSIB expressed condolences to the families of those affected and commended the efforts of first responders.