Investigations begin after recovery of Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder in Kaduna crash

Investigations into the air crash that killed the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others have commenced following the recovery of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the Beachcraft 350, the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB -N) has announced.

The announcement comes as soldiers cordoned off the site where the Nigerian Airforce plane crashed on Friday evening at the Kaduna International Airport.

Manager of Kaduna airport, Amina Salami said the military authorities took over the site adding that they have prevented civil aviation officials from gaining access to the crash site pending the arrival of officials from the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

She explained that the military plane was initially scheduled to land at the Nigerian Airforce Base in Mando area, but was later diverted to the Kaduna airport due to poor weather conditions.

In a statement, the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB -N) said it has been mandated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to lead the Investigation into the crash.

“The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the accidented Beechcraft 350 aircraft have been recovered and investigation has commenced,” Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, General Manager, Public Affairs, Accident Investigation Bureau, said.

He adds, “Investigators will download and analyse vital information contained in the recorders at the AIB-N’s world class Flight Safety Laboratory, in Abuja.

“The crash, which occurred on landing, claimed 11 lives including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, his aides, and the flight crew.

“The mandate given to AIB-N is based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two agencies on July 1, 2020 covering areas of mutual assistance.”