The bureau made the offer in a statement signed by its Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has offered technical assistance to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following the crash intensifying after the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
Badeh said the NSIB was ready to deploy investigators and make its Flight Safety Laboratory available for the recovery and readout of flight-data and cockpit-voice recorders if requested by the NAF.
He noted that the accident involved a military aircraft. Under the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, investigation of military aviation accidents remains the responsibility of the military authorities.
The NSIB will not investigate military aircraft accidents unless formally invited to do so by the relevant authorities.
“Should the Nigerian Air Force so request, the bureau stands ready to assist,” Badeh said. Such assistance could include the deployment of investigators, use of the Flight Safety Laboratory, and other related technical support.
He commended the swift activation of search-and-rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at the crash site. He urged the public to rely only on official updates from the NAF regarding rescue operations and any investigation.
Badeh also expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force and to the families and colleagues of those on board the aircraft.
Earlier, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, registration NGR 931. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane at 9:13 a.m. The wreckage was later located near the Naval Base, Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The NAF also confirmed the crash in a statement shortly after it occurred.
