Ondo Military Aircraft Crash: Investigators Recover Cockpit Voice Recorder
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on 5 October 2026.
The Nigerian Air Force said technical teams working with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed that the recorder was intact. Part of the flight data recorder was also recovered, while efforts continued to locate its remaining section.
Recovery operation continues
Teams have retrieved additional wreckage, engine components and human remains from the swamp where the aircraft came down. The difficult terrain and the depth at which the main body was submerged slowed the operation for about a month.
The aircraft was travelling on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed. All 25 people on board died, according to the Air Force account reported by news organisations.
The Air Force said the Directorate of Identification and Classification was handling procedures for the proper identification of recovered remains and that officials were maintaining contact with the victims’ families.
What the recorders may establish
A cockpit voice recorder preserves sounds and conversations from the flight deck. The flight data recorder stores technical information about the aircraft’s operation. Analysis of the available material may help investigators establish the sequence of events before the crash.
No final cause has been announced. Any conclusion before the technical investigation is completed would be premature.
Sources: Air Force statement and recovery details; ICIR report.
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