# Nigerian Air Force crash in Ondo State triggers Senate probe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigerian-air-force-aircraft-crash-in-ondo-state > Updated: 2026-10-19T16:29:44.000Z. Sources: 128. Developments: 8. On October 5, 2026, a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda, Ondo State, while traveling from Benin City to Lagos. All 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers, were confirmed dead. In response, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives have ordered investigations into military aircraft maintenance and airworthiness. A 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, including representatives from the NSIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, is working to determine the cause. President Bola Tinubu has also ordered an investigation into the incident. Recovery operations have entered their 14th day. To combat the difficult underwater terrain, the Nigerian Air Force has deployed pumping machines to drain water around the wreckage, which remains deeply embedded in a riverbed. To maintain stability during this dewatering process, recovery teams are reinforcing embankments with sandbags to prevent collapses. The crash has triggered a public health concern in Igbokoda. Residents reported a “severe, suffocating stench” emanating from the water, raising fears of contamination from aviation fuel or decomposing remains. In response, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to begin fumigation and distribute nose masks and medical kits. The Ilaje Local Government has been instructed to mobilize water tankers to provide potable water to riverine communities if laboratory tests confirm contamination. Families of the victims have expressed frustration regarding the lack of official communication concerning the cause of the crash and the identification of remains. Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme has visited the community to engage with local leaders regarding these concerns. ## Claims - Preliminary reports indicate 25 passengers and 7 crew members were on board the aircraft. (disputed by 37 sources) - The aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed. (disputed by 35 sources) - The NAF aircraft NAF 931 crash resulted in 25 fatalities, including 20 passengers and 5 active crew members. (disputed by 7 sources) - The deceased's brother claims the flight originated in Abuja, contradicting reports that it was a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. (disputed by 3 sources) - All 25 people on board the aircraft died in the crash. (disputed by 3 sources) - The helicopter crashed during heavy rainfall. (disputed) - Rescuers are using swamp buggies to build embankments to manage water levels at the crash site. (disputed) - The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crashed aircraft was an ATR-42 belonging to the service. (corroborated by 33 sources) - The crash occurred near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. (corroborated by 32 sources) - The aircraft, registered as NGR 931, disappeared from radar at approximately 09:13 local time. (corroborated by 25 sources) - President Bola Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The helicopter crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. (corroborated by 19 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Nigerian Air Force reduces water levels at Ondo aircraft crash site The Nigerian Air Force has reduced water levels at the Igbokoda crash site as recovery efforts for the ATR 42-500 aircraft enter their 14th day, following a crash that killed 25 people. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-reduces-water-levels-at-ondo-aircraft-crash-site ### 2026-10-16: Nigerian Air Force deploys pumps to recover fatal aircraft wreckage The Nigerian Air Force is using pumps to recover a submerged military aircraft in Ondo State that killed 25 people. Families are seeking answers as investigations continue into the October 5 crash. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-deploys-pumps-to-recover-fatal-aircraft-wreckage ### 2026-10-14: Ondo State orders Igbokoda River fumigation after plane crash Ondo State has ordered the fumigation of the Igbokoda River and the distribution of clean water and health kits following a Nigerian Air Force plane crash that caused severe odors and potential water pollution. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ondo-state-orders-igbokoda-river-fumigation-after-plane-crash ### 2026-10-13: Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 crash in Ondo State triggers investigation The Nigerian Air Force is investigating a fatal ATR 42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which killed all 25 people on board. Multi-agency recovery efforts and legislative audits are underway. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-aircraft-crash-in-ondo-leaves-32-feared-dead ### 2026-10-11: Nigerian Air Force crash in Ondo State triggers Senate probe and investigation The Nigerian Senate is probing NAF aircraft maintenance following a fatal crash in Ondo State that killed 25. A 12-member NAF board has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-search-intensifies-for-crash-victims-and-black-box ### 2026-10-09: Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Ondo State A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Ondo State, killing 25 people. Allegations of technical faults and calls for an independent probe follow the tragedy. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-officials-pledge-support-following-aircraft-crash ### 2026-10-07: Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State triggers investigation Search operations continue in Ondo State after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in a swamp near Igbokoda. Authorities are investigating the cause and strengthening civil-military aviation safety ties. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-aircraft-crash-in-ondo-state ### 2026-10-05: Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 crashes in Ondo State, killing all on board A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Ondo State on October 5, 2026, killing all on board. President Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and ordered a full investigation. 120 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/helicopter-crash-in-igbokoda-ondo-state-leaves-several-feared-dead --- Cite as: Nigerian Air Force crash in Ondo State triggers Senate probe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigerian-air-force-aircraft-crash-in-ondo-state