Bristow resumes operations 3 days after crash

Two days after it suspended flight operations as a result of the crash involving one of its aircraft, Bristow Helicopters is back in business.

The airline had announced the suspension saying it was in line with international practice.

But in a statement issued on Saturday by Duncan Moore, the company’s regional director in Africa, Bristow said activities have resumed, promising to cooperate with the agencies investigating the cause of the tragic incident.

“We would wish to reiterate our appreciation for the help, support and understanding we have received from the NCAA, the AIB, our clients and other industry stakeholders during this very difficult period,” the statement read.

“Bristow continues to cooperate fully with the AIB on the ongoing investigation and has recovered the aircraft that was involved in an accident in Lagos on August 12, 2015.

“The aircraft, a Sikorsky S76 C+, was certificated to carry 12 passengers plus two crew members. Bristow operated the aircraft configured for 10 passengers and two crew members.”

The ill-fated chopper was heading to Lagos from an oil rig in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, before plunging into a lagoon in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

While six persons survived and are responding to treatment at St. Nicholas hospital in Lagos Island, six persons lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

The airline has not made the flight manifest public.

The Accident Investigative Bureau (AIB) recovered the flight data recorder of the aircraft on Friday.