The Director General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh Junior, has confirmed the recovery of the data card from the aircraft that crash-landed at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilọrin.This comes as investigation efforts continue into the incident.Daily Trust reports that the Diamond training aircraft, with registration number BNI and operated by the Ilorin International Aviation College (IAC), crash-landed on Friday.The incident reportedly involved the head of training, identified simply as Ajape, and a female student, Lola.
Investigation Continues into Aircraft Crash in Ilorin
In a rather unfortunate turn of events, the Diamond training aircraft operated by the Ilorin International Aviation College (IAC) crash-landed at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilọrin. The aircraft, with registration number BNI, was involved in a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 when it veered off the runway and came to a halt on the grass verge. The crash took place at 17:28 local time, leading to serious injuries for one occupant and less severe wounds for the other. Both individuals, the head of training known as Ajape and a female student named Lola, are currently receiving medical treatment at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
Data Card Successfully Retrieved
Captain Alex Badeh Junior of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the successful retrieval of the data card from the crashed aircraft. The process of downloading its contents has already commenced, with a preliminary report expected within the next 30 days. Badeh emphasized the importance of determining the cause of the crash and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. He assured the public that despite the unfortunate accident, the airspace remains safe. Additionally, he mentioned that both pilots involved in the crash are conscious and coherent, with one undergoing an MRI scan while receiving appropriate medical care. The memory card will undergo analysis at the NSIB transport safety lab to inform future safety recommendations.
Recovery Operations and Investigation Process
Badeh disclosed that a team from NSIB is currently on-site at the crash location in Ilọrin to complete recovery operations within the hour. Following this, four investigators will conduct measurements before returning to Abuja for further analysis. The NSIB’s primary goal is to understand the sequence of events leading to the crash and identify preventive measures to enhance aviation safety. Despite the damages sustained by the twin-engine aircraft, the focus remains on gathering crucial data from the data card to facilitate a comprehensive investigation. The recovery and analysis process will play a vital role in shaping future safety protocols within the aviation industry.
In conclusion, the aviation community awaits the findings of the NSIB’s investigation into the crash-landing incident at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilọrin. The recovery of the data card marks a significant milestone in unraveling the circumstances that led to the unfortunate event. With a dedicated team working diligently to analyze the retrieved information, the hope is to gain valuable insights that can prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation progresses, the safety of the airspace remains a top priority, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.
