Nigeria Partners With US, France To Investigate Helicopter Crash

• FG has collaborated with the U.S. and France to investigate the helicopter crash.

• Search efforts involving over 60 personnel are still ongoing. 

• Cameroon assisted in the search after Nigerian authorities extended efforts.

The Nigerian government has confirmed that the United States and France will join the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in investigating the wreckage of a helicopter that recently crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, provided details of the international involvement.

The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG, was designed and manufactured in the U.S., with its engine produced in France.

In light of these connections, both countries are sending representatives to support the investigation.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed into the ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.

It was carrying six passengers and two crew members, with five bodies recovered so far and three individuals still missing.

Keyamo explained that the helicopter’s engines and components will be analyzed at the NSIB’s wreckage facility in Abuja.

The investigation will explore all potential factors contributing to the crash, including human error, machine malfunction, and environmental conditions.

“The participating states on this issue are the United States of America, the state of design and manufacture of the helicopter, which has appointed a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator.

We are collaborating with the United States, and they have appointed an investigator to work alongside us. This investigator is accredited by the NTSB, supported by a technical advisor from Sikorsky Aircraft,” Keyamo said.

“Meanwhile, France, the country of origin for the helicopter’s engine, has appointed its own accredited representative, assisted by a technical advisor from SAFRAN, the engine manufacturer,” he added.

Keyamo confirmed that a full review will be conducted on the maintenance documents, crew training, and medical records to ensure a thorough investigation.

France Helicopter Crash

Regarding the search and rescue operation, Keyamo stated that more than 60 personnel, including professional divers, had been involved in scanning the ocean floor at depths of 40 to 100 meters. Despite severe weather conditions, the search effort continued for two weeks.

So far, five bodies, all Nigerian nationals, have been identified. One passenger and two crew members remain missing, and the Nigerian government has extended the search to Cameroon, where it is suspected that some bodies may have drifted.

NSIB Director General Alex Badeh Jr. confirmed that Cameroon had been notified and continues to assist in the search effort. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the families of the victims through the Family Assistance Program (FAP), in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.

Badeh stated, “As you know, the federal government does not give up on any Nigerian citizen lost or harmed anywhere. The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Aviation and NSIB, is continuing a long-term search for the missing crew members and passenger. We have informed Cameroon to assist in the search, as we cannot enter their waters without proper clearance. We found one body in Cameroon recently, and the Navy and NNPC are continuing the search.”

He further explained that, in addition to the search efforts, the families of the victims are being provided with emotional and psychological support, in line with the FAP.

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