Victor Ezeja
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has begun investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash that occurred in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 24th October.
The accident involved a Sikorsky SK76c helicopter with eight persons on board – six passengers and two crew members.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, the helicopter with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, during a routine flight at about 11:22 am local time on Thursday.
NSIB said the aircraft which was en route to the Anton Offshore Facility from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM), lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 am and did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, that could prompt authorities to manually plot the accident location to aid emergency search and rescue efforts.
The statement said search and rescue operations commenced immediately with the Bureau collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies.
It said three bodies have been recovered so far.
“Emergency response teams are actively working to locate survivors, with three bodies recovered so far. The search continues with support from neighbouring aerodromes, military units, and low-flying aircraft,” the Bureau, added.
NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., consoled families affected by the incident, and assured that the Bureau is fully committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the accident. “We will work diligently to ensure that all necessary information is collected,” Badeh stated, urging the public to avoid speculations as the Bureau continues investigation.
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The NSIB said it is preparing to send a team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the accident, adding that a preliminary report will be issued in due course to provide updates on the progress of the investigation.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through its independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria,” the statement added.
NAAPE Mourns Helicopter Pilot, Calls for thorough Investigation
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said it received with great sadness the news of the helicopter crash on Thursday
The association said it is saddened that the Captain on board the ill fated aircraft, Yakubu Dukas, “is a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, was the Vice President of our great union.”
“We have always maintained that the operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal for all professionals for the safety of all knowing that there is no parking space up there.”
NAAPE called on all relevant agencies to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the accident and also put in place the required measures to forestall any further occurrence.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
