NSIB begins probe of helicopter crash in Rivers

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

On Thursday, the helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation and hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, crashed on its way from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt to the national oil company’s floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility.

The aircraft, carrying six passengers and two crew members, went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, during a routine flight on Thursday around 11:22am.

In a statement on Friday, Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s director of public affairs and family assistance, said a preliminary report would be released in due time to update the public on the investigation’s progress.

“The aircraft was enroute from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Anton Offshore Facility when it lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 AM,” NSIB said.

“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.

“The operator indicated that the helicopter had 2 hours and 15 minutes of fuel endurance.

“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 NSIB 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.”

‘ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION WILL BE COLLECTED’

Alex Badeh, director-general of the NSIB, extended his condolences to the affected families, reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the accident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident. We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident,” Badeh said.

“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.”

Oladeji said the bureau remains dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through its independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has also directed military officers involved in various operations in Port Harcourt to join the search for passengers of the helicopter.

Tinubu asked the military officers to provide the necessary support needed by the NSIB, the NCAA, and other relevant agencies.