Investigators secure flight recorders in Asaba aircraft probe

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has recovered and secured the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the private aircraft involved in the controversial Asaba roadway landing incident, marking a significant step in efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

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

In a statement on Thursday, the NSIB said it activated its emergency response procedures immediately after receiving notification of the occurrence and dispatched an investigative “Go Team” to the site to commence a full-scale investigation.

According to the bureau, the recovered flight recorders will play a crucial role in establishing what transpired in the cockpit and the aircraft’s performance during 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 NSIB said.

It added that investigators are also collecting operational, maintenance and air traffic control records relevant to the flight while coordinating with stakeholders and regulatory authorities in accordance with international aviation investigation protocols.

Speaking through the statement, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh Jr., said the swift recovery of the recorders was critical to determining the facts surrounding the incident.

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Badeh said, “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.

“We are relieved that there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries. Our commitment remains the advancement of aviation safety in Nigeria.”

The incident has attracted widespread attention within Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly after reports emerged that the aircraft landed on a roadway and later departed without returning to a designated airport facility.

The NSIB said ongoing investigative activities will include detailed analysis of the recovered flight recorders, examination of technical and operational records, interviews with relevant personnel and review of additional evidence.

The bureau also appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess photographs, videos, CCTV footage or other relevant information to assist investigators.

“The objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors and to issue safety recommendations to prevent recurrence. The investigation is conducted solely for the advancement of transportation safety and does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability,” the agency stated.