The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has recovered and secured the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft involved in the recent runway landing incident near Asaba, Delta State.
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The bureau disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the aircraft, with registration number N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, was involved in an occurrence on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The bureau disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the aircraft, with registration number N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, was involved in an occurrence on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
According to the NSIB, it immediately activated its emergency response procedures after receiving notification of the incident and dispatched an investigative team to the site.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has swiftly recovered and secured the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft, registration N989BC, operated by VMO Aero Limited,” the statement read.
It added that, “Following notification of the occurrence on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the NSIB immediately activated its emergency response procedures, deployed a Go Team (investigative team) to the site near Asaba, Delta State, and commenced investigation into the incident involving the private aircraft that landed and subsequently departed from a roadway during a flight from Lagos to Asaba.”
The bureau explained that the recovered flight recorders would play a key role in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“As part of this rapid response, the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) have been successfully retrieved and secured for detailed analysis. Investigators are also obtaining relevant operational, maintenance, and air traffic control records,” the statement added.
The NSIB further stated that it was working with relevant stakeholders and authorities in accordance with existing regulations governing air accident investigations.
“The NSIB is coordinating with all relevant stakeholders and authorities in line with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and ICAO Annex 13. Appropriate notifications have been made to the relevant State authorities,” it said.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency’s prompt response would aid investigators in 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,” Badeh said.
The bureau noted that the investigation would involve an analysis of the recovered recorders and a review of relevant documents and testimonies.
“Investigative activities are ongoing and will include analysis of the recovered flight recorders, examination of technical and operational records, interviews with relevant personnel, and review of additional evidence,” it stated.
The NSIB also appealed to members of the public with useful information relating to the occurrence to come forward.
The agency stressed that the purpose of its investigation was to enhance transportation safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors and to issue safety recommendations to prevent recurrence. The investigation is conducted solely for the advancement of transportation safety and does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability,” the bureau stated.
It added that, “Further updates will be provided as significant developments occur.”
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, sparked widespread concern after videos circulating on social media showed the private jet stationary on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba before it later departed the scene. Preliminary reports from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority indicated that the aircraft had conducted a missed approach at about 7:43 a.m. while attempting to land at Asaba Airport. All four crew members on board were reported to have exited the aircraft safely, with no injuries or fatalities recorded.
Following the occurrence, the NCAA grounded the aircraft and suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight pending the outcome of investigations. The authority also placed the flight crew under regulatory review after preliminary findings showed that the aircraft departed the runway and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory approval, an action the regulator described as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
