Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda on Monday managed to manoeuvre the aircraft away from the community before it landed about 200 metres away and plunged into the swamp.
:Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this on Wednesday when he visited the crash site as search and recovery operations continued for the occupants and the main wreckage of the aircraft.
The Governor praised the bravery of the pilot, saying the manoeuvre may have prevented a major catastrophe that could have occurred if the aircraft had crashed within the community.
Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a national tragedy, noting that no survivor had been found at the scene as of the time of his visit.
He said the cause of the crash could only be established by the pilot or through investigations, adding that about 25 people on board were believed to have died.
The Governor also disclosed that the main body of the aircraft had yet to be sighted, as it was believed to be submerged in the swamp.
According to the Governor, residents who witnessed the incident said the aircraft appeared to be losing altitude, with a sound suggesting possible engine trouble, before it came down near the community.
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