The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB -N) has commenced investigation into the crash which claimed 11 lives including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, on Friday in Kaduna.
The bureau’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday.
Oketunbi said the investigation has commenced as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Beechcraft 350 aircraft had been recovered.
“Investigators will download and analyse vital information contained in the recorders at the AIB-N’s world class Flight Safety Laboratory, in Abuja.
“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,” he said.
Oketunbi said the investigation would be carried out diligently and professionally by its trained investigators.
The Army Chief and his entourage were on an official trip to Kaduna when the aircraft was crashed at the Kaduna International Airport.
All deceased passengers were later flown back to Abuja and buried at the military cemetery.
However, Serika commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation at large.
In a tweet, the Minister wrote: “With heavy heart we in Civil Aviation commiserate with the Nation & the C-in-C on the NAF air crash.
“Investigation has commenced today in accordance with our recent MOU with the military. We pray Allah grant mercy to their souls & may the outcome prevent future occurrence.”
Meanwhile, some Nigerians have called on constituted authorities to probe the cause of the mishap that killed Attahiru and the other officers onboard.
