NSIB To Issue A Preliminary Report On Eastwind Aviation Sikorsky SK76 Crash
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says a preliminary report on the crash of Sikorsky SK76c helicopter with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation “will be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation’s progress.”
A statement signed by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance reads: “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the accident involving a Sikorsky SK76c helicopter with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation. The helicopter, carrying eight individuals – 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, October 24, 2024, at approximately 11:22 AM local time.
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.
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.
Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this 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 dispatching a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis and has reaffirmed dedicattion to promoting transparency and accountability through it’s independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria.
Meanwhile the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has expressed sadness over the crash stating that that the captain on board, Capt Yakubu Dukas, was a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, and was NAAPE’s Vice President.
A statement signed by Abednego Galadima, NAAPE National President reads: “We have always maintained that the operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal for all professionals for the safety of all knowing that there is no parking space up there.
We call on the government and all stakeholders, to always ensure that in all their operations, they target zero for accidents because of the catastrophic nature of air crashes.
We also call on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence. Our prayers are with all families whose beloved ones were on board.”
The Honourable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has expressed sympathy with the families of those on board, expressing commitment to providing the necessary support during this difficult times while working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident.
A statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development reads: “The Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, October 24, 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt. 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.”
A statement signed by Abdullahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) notes that the helicopter had fuel endurance of 0215 and that “Search and Rescue coordination activities were activated in NAMA while details of the incident were escalated to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Bonny tower, Osubi tower and Escravos tower for further actions.”
It adds that all emergency services and organizations including the military have were contacted for the search mission and that neigbouring aerodromes and adjacent airspaces were contacted.
