NSIB says military invitation is required for Ondo crash investigation

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau says it can take part in investigating the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, only if the military formally invites it.

The bureau said on Monday that the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 involved in the crash falls outside its normal investigative mandate because it is a military aircraft. It remained ready to provide technical assistance if the Air Force requested it.

In its statement, the NSIB cited its Establishment Act of 2022 and international practice as the basis for military authorities investigating military aviation accidents. The bureau said its position was not a refusal to help but recognition of that responsibility.

Support could include sending investigators to the crash site and using the bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory to recover and analyse flight data and cockpit voice recordings. Those offers were conditional on a request; the statement did not announce that NSIB investigators had joined the inquiry.

The Air Force had confirmed that the aircraft crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and activated search and rescue operations with emergency agencies. NaijaTrend’s earlier report on the aircraft and rescue operation is here.

The bureau expressed sympathy to the Air Force and the families and colleagues of those aboard, and commended first responders. It asked the public to rely on official Air Force information about the operation and any investigation. Further NSIB updates would be issued when appropriate and in consultation with the force.

Sources: Daily Post, Punch