NSIB retrieves black boxes from aircraft involved in Delta roadway landing

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has successfully recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from a Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft that was involved in an unusual landing incident near Asaba, Delta State. The aircraft, registered as N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, reportedly landed on and subsequently departed from a roadway on June 10, 2026.

“

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.

Upon receiving notification of the occurrence, the NSIB immediately activated its emergency response procedures. An investigative team, referred to as a Go Team, was dispatched to the site near Asaba to commence the investigation. The bureau confirmed the swift retrieval and securing of the flight recorders, which are considered vital for a detailed analysis of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“

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.

Investigators are also in the process of obtaining relevant operational, maintenance, and air traffic control records. The NSIB is coordinating its efforts with all relevant stakeholders and authorities in accordance with established regulations for air accident investigations, including ICAO Annex 13. Appropriate notifications have been made to the relevant state authorities.

“

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.

NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. emphasized the importance of the agency's prompt response. "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," he stated. He also expressed relief that there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries, reaffirming the NSIB's commitment to advancing aviation safety in Nigeria.

“

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.