BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft involved in the controversial incident in which a private jet reportedly landed and later departed from a roadway near Asaba, Delta State.
The aircraft, with registration number N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, was on a flight from Lagos to Asaba when the occurrence took place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSIB said it activated its emergency response procedures immediately after receiving notification of the incident, deploying a team of investigators to the site to begin a full-scale probe.
According to the Bureau, the swift recovery and securing of the aircraft’s black boxes—the CVR and FDR—represent a significant milestone in efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the unusual landing and departure from the roadway.
Investigators are also gathering operational, maintenance and air traffic control records as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The NSIB said it is working closely with relevant aviation stakeholders and authorities in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Annex 13 provisions governing accident investigations.
Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency responded promptly to the occurrence and remains focused on uncovering the facts behind the incident.
“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,” he said.
Badeh expressed relief that no fatalities or serious injuries were recorded, stressing that the Bureau’s primary responsibility is to enhance aviation safety across the country.
He noted that the investigation would involve detailed analysis of the recovered flight recorders, examination of technical and operational documents, interviews with relevant personnel and review of additional evidence obtained during the inquiry.
The Bureau also appealed to members of the public who witnessed the occurrence or possess photographs, videos, CCTV footage or other relevant information to assist investigators by sharing such materials through official NSIB communication channels.
NSIB emphasized that the investigation is aimed solely at establishing the circumstances and contributing factors that led to the incident and issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
The agency reiterated that its investigations are not intended to apportion blame or determine liability, adding that further updates will be released as significant findings emerge.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
