The Federal Government has enlisted aviation experts from the United States and France to assist in investigating last month’s helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024, carrying six passengers and two crew members. So far, five bodies have been recovered, while three remain missing.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced on Wednesday in Abuja that the helicopter’s wreckage was successfully retrieved after an intensive eight-day search. He confirmed that the wreckage is currently en route to Abuja for examination by the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which is leading the investigation.
Keyamo explained that experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and French representatives from Safran, the engine manufacturer, would collaborate on the investigation due to the aircraft’s American design and French-engineered engine. The NSIB will inspect maintenance, certification records, and the crew’s training and medical records to understand factors that may have contributed to the crash.
The black box, or flight recorder, which was retrieved and has arrived in Abuja, is expected to provide critical data on the events leading up to the accident. Keyamo emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating, “Our objective is to conduct a thorough investigation to find a safety issue or recommend a safety change to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.”
The NSIB, in partnership with agencies including the NCAA, NAMA, and NIMET, has launched a comprehensive investigation, examining the roles of human error, machine functionality, and environmental factors. Keyamo assured the public that a preliminary report would be available within 30 days, while a full report could take up to a year.
In a gesture of compassion, Keyamo confirmed that the NSIB’s family assistance department, with support from the NTSB, would provide aid to the victims’ families. “It is the primary responsibility of the NSIB to institute a family support program anytime you have such accidents,” he noted.
The Ministry of Aviation and the NSIB have pledged to keep the public updated on the investigation’s progress. “We felt it was appropriate to let the public know how far we have come,” Keyamo concluded.