The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the Sikorsky S76C helicopter crash that occurred near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt, in the Atlantic Ocean.
The report includes findings from this crash and the final investigation reports of six other incidents at Nigerian airports.
Dr. Alex Badeh Jnr, the Director General of NSIB, shared the preliminary results in Abuja. He confirmed that five bodies had been recovered from the crash site, with two crew members still missing.
The report explained that the crash was fatal as the helicopter broke apart on impact with the water, and various parts of the aircraft were scattered. Some bodies were found with inflated life vests.
The investigation also revealed that the helicopter was not equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which is required under Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations for helicopters of this size.
It noted that the crew did not use standard communication phrases during the flight, which could have affected the flight’s safety.
NSIB recommended that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) ensure that all helicopters meet the regulation requiring FDRs. This safety feature would help investigators review incidents more thoroughly and improve future air safety.
The coldest countries in the world are known for their diverse weather conditions and harsh…
Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 34.60% in November 2024, marking a significant surge in the…
The Immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has accused his successor, Monday Okpebholo,…