Ondo Plane Crash: NAF Launches Probe As Recovery Teams Battle Swampy Terrain

The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery teams continue efforts to reach the wreckage and recover victims from the difficult swampy terrain.

According to Bush Radio Academy, a board of inquiry comprising aviation specialists has been activated to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation is being conducted alongside the recovery operation, with evidence obtained from the site expected to form part of the findings.

A military source explained that the board is traditionally headed by the Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation, who assumes the role automatically whenever an aircraft accident occurs. The panel is expected to work closely with personnel involved in recovering the aircraft and other materials from the crash site.

Recovery efforts, however, have been slowed by dense vegetation and the challenging terrain around the crash location. The aircraft is reportedly deeply submerged in a swamp, making access to the wreckage and recovery of the victims particularly difficult.

A specialised floating piece of equipment was reportedly provided by a private construction company to assist with clearing the thick vegetation and creating an accessible path for the recovery teams.

The military source said the clearing operation must be completed before equipment capable of lifting the aircraft’s fuselage can be deployed effectively. The official also indicated that not all the bodies had been recovered at the time of the report, stressing that the operation could take some time.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has clarified the number of people who were aboard the aircraft, putting the total at 25, including seven crew members. The clarification followed earlier reports that had suggested as many as 32 people were on board.

NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the crash investigation was being conducted on the direct orders of the Chief of Air Staff and would follow established aircraft accident investigation procedures.

He explained that the seven crew members were already included in the total figure of 25 people aboard the aircraft and should not be added separately.

According to Ejodame, five of the seven crew members were actively operating the aircraft at the time, while the remaining two were crew members travelling as passengers.

He added that the findings of the investigation would be communicated to the public after the preliminary report had been concluded.

The military source also dismissed speculation surrounding the age and airworthiness of the aircraft, stating that it was a relatively modern acquisition delivered around 2010 and had reportedly been properly maintained.

As recovery efforts continue at the crash site, attention remains focused on retrieving the wreckage and victims while investigators work to establish the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.