NAF Begins Search for Answers After Deadly Plane Crash in Ondo

(Security operatives conduct search at the site of the NAF aircraft crash in Ondo State. Photo Credit: Channels Tv)

The Nigerian Air Force has set up a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to look into the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

All those on board died when the plane went down on October 5, 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday, NAF Director of Public Relations Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the board will find out what happened, what caused it and how to prevent it from happening again.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke has ordered continued search and recovery work alongside the investigation.

Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will chair the board. Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, who heads the investigation and recovery team, will coordinate the wider response.

The board includes experts in flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, engineering, maintenance and medical services.

It also has representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

The board will look at operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors.

It will also review the emergency response, including rescue, medical care, recovery and management of the crash site. It will then recommend changes to improve safety.

The NAF has set up a direct helpline at its headquarters for next of kin, and it has begun meeting affected families.

It warned people not to draw conclusions about the cause until the investigation is complete.