Asaba landing probe advances as NSIB recovers cockpit voice and flight data recorders from aircraft involved in the roadway landing incident

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered and secured the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the private aircraft involved in the controversial roadway landing near Asaba, Delta State, in a major development in the ongoing investigation into the incident.

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The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger CL-601 with registration number N989BC operated by VMO Aero Limited, was involved in the incident on June 10 during a flight from Lagos when it landed on a roadway near Asaba before reportedly departing the scene without regulatory authorisation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSIB said it immediately activated its emergency response procedures after receiving notification of the occurrence and deployed a specialised investigative team to the site.

The bureau said the successful recovery of the flight recorders represents a critical breakthrough in the Asaba Landing Probe, as the devices are expected to provide crucial evidence regarding cockpit communications and the aircraft’s operational performance before, during and after the incident.

“As part of this rapid response, the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder have been successfully retrieved and secured for detailed analysis,” the bureau stated.

According to the NSIB, investigators are also gathering operational, maintenance and air traffic control records associated with the flight while working closely with aviation stakeholders and regulatory authorities in line with international investigation standards.

Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau moved swiftly to ensure evidence was preserved and investigative activities commenced without delay.

“The NSIB acted promptly following the occurrence on June 10, 2026. The immediate deployment of our investigative Go Team and the swift recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder are critical steps that will help establish the facts of this incident,” Badeh said.

He added that authorities were relieved there were no fatalities or serious injuries arising from the occurrence.

“Our commitment remains the advancement of aviation safety in Nigeria,” he stated.

The incident has generated significant attention across Nigeria’s aviation industry following reports that the aircraft landed on a public roadway and subsequently departed without returning to a designated airport facility.

The NSIB said the investigation will now focus on detailed examination of the recovered flight recorders, technical and operational documentation, interviews with relevant personnel and analysis of additional evidence.

As part of the inquiry, the bureau appealed to members of the public who witnessed the occurrence or possess photographs, videos, CCTV recordings or any relevant information to assist investigators.

The agency reiterated that the objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

“The investigation is conducted solely for the advancement of transportation safety and does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability,” the bureau stated.

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The findings from the Asaba Landing Probe are expected to provide greater clarity on the sequence of events surrounding one of the most unusual aviation incidents reported in Nigeria in recent years.