The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has successfully recovered and secured the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) from the Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft that made an emergency landing on a highway in Delta State on Wednesday.
Details of the Incident
The private jet, registered as N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, was en route from Lagos to Asaba when it landed on the highway and subsequently departed from the runway. The incident occurred on June 10, 2026.
According to a statement by Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the bureau activated its emergency response procedures immediately upon notification and deployed an investigative team to the site near Asaba.
Investigation Underway
The NSIB has commenced a full investigation into the incident. The recovered CVR and FDR will undergo detailed analysis to determine the cause of the occurrence. In addition, investigators are gathering relevant operational, maintenance, and air traffic control records pertaining to the aircraft.
Alex Badeh Jr., Director-General of the NSIB, emphasized that the bureau acted promptly following the incident. He described the CVR and FDR as critical components that will help establish the facts of the incident. “We are relieved that there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries. Our commitment remains the advancement of aviation safety in Nigeria,” he stated.
Coordination with Stakeholders
Badeh confirmed that the NSIB is coordinating with all relevant stakeholders and authorities in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13. Appropriate notifications have been made to relevant state authorities regarding the incident.
