NSIB Secures Aircraft Black Boxes, Expands Probe into Asaba Roadway Landing Incident

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 dramatic incident near Asaba, Delta State, as investigators intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

The private jet, bearing registration number N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, was on a flight from Lagos to Asaba on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, when it landed on a roadway before later departing from the location, an incident that prompted swift intervention by aviation authorities.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the NSIB disclosed that it immediately activated its emergency response procedures after receiving notification of the occurrence.

The Bureau said it promptly deployed its investigative team, known as the “Go Team”, to the site near Asaba to commence a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

According to the agency, the successful retrieval and securing of the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder marks a significant milestone in the investigation, as the devices are expected to provide crucial information regarding the aircraft’s operation and the sequence of events preceding the incident.

Beyond the analysis of the black boxes, the NSIB revealed that investigators are also gathering operational records, maintenance documentation and air traffic control data to aid the ongoing probe.

The Bureau stated that it is working closely with all relevant stakeholders and authorities in line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which governs the conduct of aircraft accident and incident investigations worldwide.

Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the Bureau moved swiftly to ensure that vital evidence was preserved.

He noted that the immediate deployment of investigators and the recovery of the aircraft’s recorders were essential steps towards establishing the facts surrounding the occurrence.

“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,” he said.

Captain Badeh stressed that the investigation is being conducted solely to improve transportation safety and not to apportion blame or determine liability.

He added that investigators will undertake a detailed examination of the information contained in the recovered recorders, review technical and operational records, interview relevant personnel and assess any additional evidence that may emerge during the course of the investigation.

The Bureau also appealed to members of the public who witnessed the occurrence or possess photographs, videos, CCTV footage or other materials that could assist the investigation to forward such information through its official social media platforms or via its designated communication channels.

According to the NSIB, the primary objective of the inquiry is to identify the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and to issue appropriate safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The latest development comes amid heightened scrutiny of the incident, which attracted widespread attention within the aviation community and prompted immediate action from regulatory authorities.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed that a full-scale investigation be launched into the occurrence, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) ordered the grounding of the aircraft and suspended the Air Operator Certificate of VMO Aero Limited pending the outcome of investigations.

Although no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, the incident has raised fresh concerns over operational safety within Nigeria’s private aviation sector and underscored the importance of timely and thorough accident investigations.

The NSIB assured that updates would be provided as significant developments emerge, reiterating its commitment to conducting an objective, comprehensive and transparent investigation in the interest of enhancing aviation safety across the country.