Nigerian Air Force forms board to investigate Ondo crash

The Nigerian Air Force has formed a 12-member specialist board to investigate the October 5 crash of its ATR 42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents. The NAF announced the board on October 13, saying it would examine the circumstances of the crash. The service said the panel includes specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance and medical services, as well as representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau. Air Vice Marshal Francis Ankeli is the board’s president, while Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Ebiowe is coordinating the wider investigation and recovery response, according to the NAF. The board’s work is to include examining and preserving evidence and considering operational, technical, environmental, human and organizational factors. The NAF said conclusions about the cause would be premature before the investigation is complete and its findings considered. Recovery efforts were continuing on October 14.