NSIB Launches Full-Scale Probe into Delta Roadway Landing, Recovers Aircraft Black Boxes

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered and secured the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft involved in Wednesday's unusual roadway landing near Asaba, Delta State, as investigators intensify efforts to determine exactly what transpired during the flight.

The aircraft, registered N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Limited, was involved in an aviation occurrence on Wednesday, June 10 after reportedly conducting a missed approach while attempting to land in Asaba before eventually touching down on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe,  NSIB said it immediately activated its emergency response procedures following notification of the occurrence and deployed an investigative "Go Team" to the scene.

The Bureau disclosed that one of its first priorities was the recovery and preservation of critical flight evidence. According to the agency, both the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder have now been retrieved and secured for detailed technical analysis.

Investigators are also gathering operational records, maintenance documentation, air traffic control communications and other relevant materials as part of the ongoing investigation.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr. said the agency acted swiftly to preserve evidence and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

"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," Badeh stated.

The NSIB boss expressed relief that no fatalities or serious injuries were recorded.

"We are relieved that there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries. Our commitment remains the advancement of aviation safety in Nigeria," he added.

According to the Bureau, investigators will conduct a comprehensive review of all available evidence, including data extracted from the recovered flight recorders, interviews with relevant personnel, technical examinations and operational assessments.

The NSIB said it is coordinating with all relevant stakeholders in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 governing aircraft accident investigations.

The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the incident following reports that the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the necessary regulatory clearance.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had earlier grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos and suspended the operator's Permit for Non-Commercial Flight pending the outcome of investigations.

The NSIB emphasized that its inquiry is focused solely on determining the circumstances and contributing factors surrounding the occurrence and issuing recommendations that will enhance aviation safety.

"The objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors and to issue safety recommendations to prevent recurrence," the Bureau said.

The agency further appealed to members of the public who may possess photographs, videos, CCTV footage or other relevant information related to the occurrence to assist investigators.