The Federal Government on Wednesday announced a nine-man probe panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the Dana plane crash in Lagos, Sunday, which killed 153 persons on board and about six persons on the ground.

According to the Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, the panel will be chaired by former chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Group Capt. John Obakpolor (rtd).

Other members of the panel include; Capt. Austin Omame, Capt. Dele Sasegbon, Dr. O.B. Aliu, Engr. F.C. Onyeyiri,Capt. Muhtar Usman, Dr. Tony Anuforom, Capt. A. Mshelia and Capt. Mfon Udom.

Mrs Oduah said the panel will also conduct comprehensive investigation into the operations of other domestic airlines as well as oversight role of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

She said the panel will examine the financial status of the airlines to ascertain their level of viability in terms of keeping to best maintenance practices.

Mrs Oduah said the black box of the crashed Dana plane has been recovered and would be flown to the United States of America today for analysis.
On reports of investigations into past air mishaps, the minister said reports of the Sosoliso and ADC airlines both in 2005 were ready and awaiting approval for release.