The Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the private aircraft involved in the contentious Asaba roadway landing incident have been recovered and secured by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, which is a major step in efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During a flight from Lagos, 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 road near Asaba, Delta State, before leaving the scene without regulatory approval.
The NSIB stated in a statement on Thursday that as soon as it learned of the incident, it triggered its emergency response protocols and sent an investigative “Go Team” to the scene to begin a thorough probe.
The recovered flight recorders will be essential in determining what happened in the cockpit and how the aircraft performed throughout the tragedy, according to the bureau.
The NSIB stated, “The aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder have been successfully retrieved and secured for detailed analysis as part of this rapid response.”
In compliance with international aviation inquiry norms, it further stated that investigators are collaborating with stakeholders and regulatory authorities while gathering operational, maintenance, and air traffic control documents pertinent to the flight.
Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Director-General of the NSIB, stated in the statement that the prompt retrieval of the recorders was essential to ascertaining the incident’s facts.
“The NSIB acted promptly following the occurrence on June 10, 2026,” stated Badeh. Important actions that will help establish the facts of this tragedy include the prompt deployment of our investigative Go Team and the prompt recovery of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
“We are happy that no fatalities or significant injuries were recorded. We are still dedicated to improving aviation safety in Nigeria.
The event has garnered a lot of attention in Nigeria’s aviation industry, especially after it was revealed that the aircraft landed on a road and then took off without going back to an authorized airport.
Ongoing investigative efforts, according to the NSIB, will include a thorough analysis of the recovered flight recorders, a review of additional material, interviews with pertinent people, and an examination of technical and operational records.
In order to help detectives, the bureau also made an appeal to members of the public who could have seen the occurrence or who might have photos, videos, CCTV footage, or other pertinent information.
“The investigation’s goal is to identify the conditions and relevant variables and provide safety advice to stop recurrence. According to the agency, the investigation is carried out just to improve transportation safety and does not aim to assign blame or establish liability.
