The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to determine the circumstances and causes of the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The crash occurred on October 5, 2026, killing all those on board.

Also read: NAF Crash: Isa Adeshina dies 9 days after becoming best cadet

The Air Force announced the establishment of the board in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, saying the investigation would establish the facts surrounding the accident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

The statement was signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the Service, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed that search and recovery operations should continue alongside a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will serve as president of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, will coordinate the wider response.

The 12-member board comprises personnel with expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other relevant technical fields.

The NAF said representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had also been included to provide additional civilian aviation expertise.

The board will examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash.

“Its work will involve the systematic examination, documentation and preservation of relevant evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the occurrence,” the statement said.

Beyond determining what caused the aircraft to crash, the board will assess the response to the incident, including search and rescue operations, medical assistance, recovery efforts and the management of the crash site.

The NAF said the investigation would produce evidence-based recommendations to address any identified shortcomings, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the risk of similar accidents.

The Service also pledged to implement appropriate safety recommendations arising from the board’s findings.

The investigation comes as recovery efforts continue following the fatal incident in Igbokoda, where sections of the military aircraft were recovered from the crash site.

The Air Force said it had established a direct helpline at its headquarters, within the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide information and clarification to the recorded next of kin of those affected.

Administrative arrangements have also been activated, including meetings with bereaved families and other support measures.

The Service acknowledged the public’s interest in the investigation and promised to provide updates as verified information becomes available.

The Air Force cautioned against speculation about the cause of the crash before the investigation had been completed.

“Conclusions regarding the cause of the accident would be premature until the investigation is completed and its findings are duly considered,” the statement added.

The NAF said search, recovery and investigative activities remained priorities as the board began its work.

Also read: NAF Crash: Isa Adeshina dies 9 days after becoming best cadet

The findings are expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and guide measures aimed at improving aircraft safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.