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Tag: Helicopter crash

  • Nigeria condoles with Ghana over tragic helicopter crash

    Nigeria condoles with Ghana over tragic helicopter crash

    Nigeria has expressed its deepest condolences to the government and people of Ghana following the tragic helicopter crash of Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, which kulled several Ghanaian officials.

    Among the victims were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Muhammed, who were en route to Obuasi.

    A statement on Thursday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the incident as a devastating loss that leaves a profound void in the West African region.

    “Dr Boamah and Minister Muhammed were dedicated leaders who served their nation with unwavering commitment.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Ghanaian ministers killed in helicopter crash

    “Their contributions to regional security and environmental sustainability will be deeply missed,” the ministry  said.

    It affirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with Ghana during this difficult time, praying for strength and comfort for the families of the departed and the entire Ghanaian government.

    “As neighbours and partners in progress, we stand united with Ghana and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our nations, even in moments of profound loss,” the ministry  added.

    (NAN) 

  • Sikorsky helicopter crash

    Sikorsky helicopter crash

    •Anomalies demand more attention to aviation safety

    For aviation safety, a number of demands are made of airline operators. These include ensuring that requisite air navigation aids are in top form. The Nation newspaper’s story of December 18, 2024 brought the value of these aviation aids into bold relief. The paper reported that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) “said the Sikorsky S76C helicopter with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQG, which ditched into the Atlantic Ocean in October, did not have a Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The Sikorsky helicopter was operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited.”

     The story also quoted the NSIB’s Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., as saying, “The helicopter was not fitted with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), although Part 7.8.2.2(q) of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2023 requires that FDR shall be fitted on the helicopter.”

    Moreover, he said: “The flight crew used non- standard phraseology throughout the flight and there were no standard callouts for the various phases of the flight.” According to him, “the helicopter Radio Altimeter (Rad alt) was snagged and deferred on October 18, six days before the accident.”

    He also said “Five bodies identified as the passengers were recovered, while the remaining three occupants of the helicopter, including the flight crew, are yet to be found.”

    About altimeters, according to JxJ Aviation, “An altimeter is one of the 6 basic instruments in an aircraft. … Altimeters provide altitude and height information to the pilots and onboard computers. This is important because normally, an aircraft would be asked to maintain a particular altitude. … This is crucial for safe operations since there could be other aircraft flying at different altitudes. … This is required during takeoff or landing, especially in poor weather conditions where visibility is low. The readings make it easy to understand whether the aircraft is climbing or descending at the correct rate.” For an altimeter not to be in top form is therefore highly potentially hazardous.

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    The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Godwin Balang, was reported saying, “FDR is not an active component for safe operation directly, but it is used to investigate accidents; it is used to help you understand what happened. The black box has two components: a cockpit voice, where you record the voice, and then the data. FDR helps to recreate the incident. So, if you don’t have it, then you are limited in terms of what you will be able to recreate.” Unfortunately, the Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited helicopter accident occurred with the aircraft having no FDR. The NSIB’s capacity to recreate the crash was therefore curtailed.

    Also, according to a document titled, “ICAO Standard Phraseology: A Quick Reference Guide for Commercial Air Transport Pilots,” and published in Skybrary.Aero, “Communication error is the biggest causal factor in both level busts and runway incursions in Europe. … The need for clear and unambiguous communication between pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC) is vital in assisting the safe and expeditious operation of aircraft. It is important, therefore, that due regard is given to the use of standard words and phrases and that all involved ensure that they maintain the highest professional standards when using RTF (radiotelephony). This is especially important when operating within busy sectors with congested frequencies where any time wasted with verbosity and non-standard, ambiguous phrases could lead to flight safety incidents.” Unfortunately, from the NSIB report, this critical requirement was not met by the helicopter company.

    What all of the foregoing indicates is that there was serious laxity on the part of the company with respect to critical equipment and requisite training. This situation underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian aviation authorities to undertake a comprehensive safety audit of all aircraft operating within the country’s airspace to ensure aviation safety.

  • Helicopter crash: NIMASA to share information with IMO

    Helicopter crash: NIMASA to share information with IMO

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has promised to share its findings on the helicopter that crashed recently into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima in Rivers State with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    Its Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said this in a statement yesterday in Lagos by the agency’s Head of Public Relations Directorate, Mr. Edward Osagie.

    Mobereola said a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), also called the Black Box, were recovered at the weekend through an inter-agency collaboration.

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    He said the collaboration included NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and HydroDive with the collaboration of other local and international search and rescue partners.

    Mobereola praised all organs of government for the collaboration in the search and recovery operations.

    The agency boss promised that NIMASA would share information on the incident with the IMO.

    “In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean to the International Maritime Organisation via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

    “By sharing the findings of the off-shore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, NIMASA demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community.

    “The Global Integrated Shipping Information System is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data.

    “This platform enables member-state to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation,” he said.

    According to him, NIMASA is committed to working closely with all relevant agencies to determine the cause of the incident and take all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

    Mourning those who died in the crash, the NIMASA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and continued inter-agency collaboration.

    He recalled how the agency received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on October 24 and the (C4i) centre of the Deep Blue project and shared same with the Nigerian Navy.

    “The Nigerian Navy immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialised Search and Rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions.

    “The helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, at a distance of 1.4 kilometres from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading (FPSO), NUIM ANTAN Producing Limited owned by the NNPCL,” he said.

    Mobereola said the collaboration between NIMASA and other local as well as international search and rescue partners recovered the FDR and the CVR from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration number 5N BQG.

    According to him, with the recovery of the ‘Black Box’, over 80 per cent of the helicopter wreck has been recovered.

    The other recovered items include rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the tail.

  • Helicopter crash: NSIB to deploy remotely operated vehicle

    Helicopter crash: NSIB to deploy remotely operated vehicle

    • Four bodies still missing, says agency

    • ‘Why flight data, cockpit voice recorders are yet to be recovered’

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said it is deploying remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to locate the wreckage of Sirkorsky 76c which ditched into the Atlantic Ocean in Bonny area of Rivers State last week.

    The agency said the deployment would enable it to salvage vital components of the chopper, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.

    The NSIB said its extensive search had not led to the location of the crashed chopper or its critical components, including the black box, due to the challenging conditions of the operating environment.

    A statement by NSIB spokesperson, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said the challenges included limited visibility at water depth and human divers’ operational constraints.

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    To enhance the recovery efforts, the spokesperson said the NSIB had resorted to deploying ROV, which is equipped to operate at up to 1,000 metres of water depth.

    With the ROV advanced cameras and sensors as well as Tether Management System, the ROV will enable the NSIB team to conduct detailed surveys, collect environmental data and capture critical evidence essential to understanding the cause of the accident.

    The ROV capacity, the spokesperson said, would drive close inspection and light manipulation tasks that would be invaluable in such deep water environment, where it would also aid in assessing wreckage conditions, gathering vital data as well as developing insights into potential causes.

    Giving an update on the incident yesterday, NSIB said four bodies had been recovered out of the eight persons onboard the ill-fated helicopter.

    During its briefing in Abuja, NSIB announced that the search team recovered another body at 4 p.m yesterday, saying: “A floating body was retrieved from the water by the FRC and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan for safe transit through their territorial waters.”

    The update yesterday showed that four of the eight persons onboard the ill-fated helicopter have been recovered while the search for the remaining four continued.

    The NSIB stressed that the recovery of the remaining bodies remained a top priority for the amalgamated search, rescue and recovery team.

    Also, NSIB’s Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., said the bureau remained focused to recover and analyse all necessary data to bring clarity to the families of the crash victims and the nation.

    The agency boss said the NSIB was collaborating with an amalgamated team of search, rescue and recovery units comprising government and private entities.

    He added: “The bureau urges the public to avoid speculation. We emphasise the importance of respecting the integrity of the recovery and investigation as it progresses. We remain steadfast in the commitment to continually work to enhance transportation safety across Nigeria.”

  • No other body found in helicopter crash, says NNPCL

    No other body found in helicopter crash, says NNPCL

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Sunday said aside from the three bodies found in the site of its helicopter crash, no other bodies have been found.

    Its Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye made this known in a statement.

    According to him, search and rescue operations by the relevant authorities at the site, continue.

    Read Also: APC youths, CSO hit NNPCL over Kaduna, Port-Harcourt refineries

    The statement reads in part: “The NNPC Ltd wishes to announce that beyond the three bodies found in the ill-fated helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation that crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, no other bodies have been recovered. 

    “The Company further notes that intensified search and rescue operations for the remaining bodies along with relevant authorities is still ongoing.

    “Once again, our hearts and prayers are with family members of this unfortunate incident.”

  • Helicopter crash: Nigeria airspace safe, says Reps Committee Chairman

    Helicopter crash: Nigeria airspace safe, says Reps Committee Chairman

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology, Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade has assured Nigerians that the nation’s Airspace was safe.

    In a statement in Abuja, Akinlade commiserated with families of 5 NNPCL staff and three others who died in the Helicopter crash in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    He said despite a few hitches, efforts were being made to ensure that Nigeria Airspace is safe for all to fly.

    While praying that God to grant the departed eternal rest, he prayed that God would comfort their respective families.

    “Once in a while an unforeseen incidence like this does happen globally but we assure Nigerians that both the Executives and Legislatures are working hard to ensure that we have the safest Airspace around the world.

    “The Committee commends the Management team of Nigeria Investigative Bureau (NSIB) under the leadership of Captain Badeh and other relevant agencies for quick response.

    “We at the committee level demand the results of the investigation of the crash to avoid further occurrence.

    “Very soon, there is going to be a National summit to address all issues that concern aviation sector in Nigeria,” he said. 

  • NSIB probes, deploys team as helicopter crashes in Port Harcourt

    NSIB probes, deploys team as helicopter crashes in Port Harcourt

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced investigation into the accident involving a Sikorsky SK76c helicopter with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation. 

    The NSIB also said it is actively preparing to dispatch a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis.

    The helicopter, which was carrying six passengers and two crew members, went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar.

    The accident occured during a routine flight on Thursday, October 24, 2024, around 11:22 AM.

    According to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, 

     the aircraft was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Anton Offshore facility when it lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 AM.

    Read Also: Three bodies recovered as helicopter crashes in Port Harcourt

    The statement read: “Operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident’s location to expedite search and rescue efforts. 

    “Search and rescue operations were activated immediately, with the NSIB collaborating closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies.

    ‘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 Director General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. stated that the Bureau’s thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the tragic incident. 

    “We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident. We will work diligently to ensure that all necessary information is collected. The public must avoid speculation during this sensitive time, as our focus is on providing clarity and accountability through our investigation.”

    “The NSIB is actively preparing to dispatch a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis.

    “A preliminary report will be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation’s progress.

    “We remain dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through our independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria.”

  • FG confirms helicopter crash in Rivers 

    FG confirms helicopter crash in Rivers 

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has confirmed “a distressing report of an helicopter crash that occured along the waterways of Port Harcourt, Rivers on Thursday at about 11:22am”.

    He made the confirmation in a statement he posted on his verified X handle by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Odutayo Oluseyi.

    The statement reads “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt. 

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    “The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.

    “The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

    “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.

    “While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.

    “The Honourable Minister of Aviation is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident. Further information will be provided as details emerge.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time”.

  • Osinbajo: Landing in dusty environment caused chopper’s crash – AIB

    ……Attributes crash to effects of landing in dusty environment

     

    The Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB ) on Wednesday released the report of the helicopter crash involving Agusta Westland W 139 Caverton Helicopters which flew Vice President to Kabba in Kogi State.

    The AIB attributed the February 2, 2019 crash of the Chopper marked with registration number 5N – CML to effects of a brown out generated during its landing in a dry dusty environment.

    It said Caverton should have carried out risk assessment test at the Kaaba stadium before the flight.

    Brown out in aviation par lance means a condition generated during landing in a sandy, dusty environment.

    The chopper operated by Caverton Helicopter occurred at Kaaba Stadium in Kogi State. It flew Osinbajo his entourage and three crew members.

    The chopper was manufactured in 2012.

    Speaking at a briefing at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, AIB Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru said though the investigation into the crash is ongoing, it has however issued two safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the operator : Caverton Helicopters Limited.

    Olateru said the NCAA should issue advisory circular to helicopter operators on the effects of brown out and how to mitigate its effects.

    The second safety recommendation, Olateru said is for Caverton Helicopters to carry out proper risk analysis and assessment before operating flights into unapproved landing pad.

    He said the final report on the accident will be released in few months.

  • Helicopter crash: AIB concludes investigation

    SEVENTY-TWO hours after an Agusta AW 139 helicopter flying Vice President Yemi Osibanjo crashed in Kabba, Kogi State, aviation agencies, led by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) have concluded investigations on the accident.

    The completion of the investigation came on the heels of gathering of evidence – inspection of the chopper wreckage at the crash site; interview of airline crew- pilots, engineers and other technical personnel, eyewitnesses account, laboratory testing of broken rotor and other parts of chopper.

    A source closed to the AIB said the preliminary report of the accident will be released in two days, but he could not give probable cause(s) of the crash.

    Another source close to Caverton Helicopters, mangers of the crshed chopper, said its insurers have arrived in the country to participate in the probe.

    The source hinted that the insurers, sought permission from the AIB, for access to the crash site to carry out valuation of the wreckage and other relevant activity critical to the accident probe.

    Besides the insurers, it was not clear as at yesterday if the helicopter manufacturer – Agusta will participate in the inquiry.

    According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-prescribed aviation regulations, the aircraft manufacturers ought to participate in the investigation.

    The involvement will enable the manufacturer learn useful lessons in preventing a reoccurrence; if there are issues with the equipment design or other technical hitches.

    AIB’s spokesman Tunji Oketumbi said the bureau has concluded preliminary investigation on the crash, which he described as “high profile”, because of the status of the occupant in the ill-fated chopper.

    He said an accident could be so described, if the aircraft was carrying many influential people; or there are many multi-nationals.

    He said that will not in any way put any pressure on the AIB, which has so far utilised its internal capacity to discharge the onerous task.

    Oketumbi said: “So far, the AIB has done what is statutorily required of it. We did not require any foreign assistance. We have carried out the relevant findings at the crash site and interviewed the crew and other people relevant to the operation. So, far, the helicopter wreckage has not been removed.”

    He, however, took exception to the remarks attributed to Caverton Helicopters which suggested the probable cause(s) of the crash.

    According to him, besides giving flight information – type of aircraft; registration number; number of occupant in the aircraft and circumstances of the accident, the airline should refrain from speculating the cause of the crash.

    Doing such, Oketumbi said, will amount to pre-empting the investigation.

    Recall that AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced principally by AgustaWestland.

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    It was marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, fire-fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol.

    In addition to AgustaWestland’s own manufacturing facilities in Italy and the United States, the AW139 is produced in Russia by HeliVert, a joint venture between AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters.

    The AW139 was originally designed and developed jointly by Agusta and Bell Helicopters and marketed as the Agusta-Bell AB139, being redesignated AW139 when Bell withdrew from the project.

    Since launching operation in 2003, the AW139 has become one of AgustaWestland’s most influential products; it has been subsequently developed into two enlarged medium-lift helicopters, the military-orientated AW149 and the AW189 for the civil market.

    The AW139 is a conventional twin-engine multi-role helicopter. It has a five-bladed fully articulated main rotor with a titanium hub and composite blades and a four-bladed articulated tail rotor. It is fitted with retractable tricycle landing gear, the two aft wheels retracting into external sponsons which are also used to house emergency equipment.

    It is flown by a crew of two pilots, with up to 15 passengers accommodated in three rows of five.