NSIB to review helicopter’s maintenance, crew training, medical records
The Federal Government has enlisted aviation experts from the United States and France to assist in the investigation of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash that occurred on October 24, 2024, off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
This comes after the successful retrieval of the wreckage following an intensive eight-day search operation.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the recovery of the wreckage, which is currently being transported to Abuja for further examination.
He revealed that experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and France’s Safran Group would support Nigeria’s investigation, due to the U.S. origins of the helicopter and France’s involvement in manufacturing its engines.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Keyamo stated, “The NTSB is an accredited representative of the United States, assisted by a technical advisor from Sikorsky Aircraft.
“Meanwhile, France, as the state of design and manufacturer of the engines, has appointed an accredited representative, supported by Safran’s technical advisor.”
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was carrying six passengers and two crew members at the time of the crash. So far, five bodies have been recovered, while three individuals remain missing.
Keyamo also shared details of the wreckage’s journey, noting that the wreckage was transported via ferry on November 9, arriving at the airport on November 10, and subsequently loaded onto a truck for its journey to Abuja on November 11.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) would oversee the investigation, including the review of the aircraft’s maintenance records, crew training, and medical files.
“The NSIB will focus on a comprehensive investigation to understand all factors contributing to the crash,” Keyamo said. “We aim to uncover any safety issues and recommend necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.”
In addition, the minister confirmed that the flight recorder, commonly known as the black box, has already been retrieved and is now in Abuja. This crucial component will play a key role in understanding the cause of the crash.
Keyamo commended the efforts of various aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which have been collaborating with the NSIB.
The Minister also assured that the initial report on the crash would be published within 30 days, while a comprehensive report with safety recommendations might take up to a year.
Furthermore, he highlighted the establishment of a family assistance program in collaboration with the U.S. NTSB to support the victims’ families.
“Our objective is to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that any lessons learned will improve aviation safety standards in Nigeria,” Keyamo added.
