The recovery team searching for the remains of a helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on October 24, 2024, has located the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly referred to as the black box.
This discovery marks a significant step forward in the investigation into the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash, which occurred off the coast of Bonny Finima, Nigeria, while transporting eight passengers.
The news was confirmed by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). According to Oladeji, the black box was successfully retrieved early Friday morning, providing hope that investigators may soon be able to uncover the factors leading to this tragic incident.
“NSIB, in conjunction with the Search and Recovery partners NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG,” Oladeji stated.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was carrying passengers on a routine journey when it suddenly plunged into the ocean, sparking a large-scale search operation.
Since the crash, teams from multiple organizations, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and HydroDive, have worked together tirelessly to locate the wreckage and recover essential evidence.
Oladeji’s statement emphasized the importance of the recovered devices in the ongoing investigation.
“This device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident,” she explained. “The recovered recorder has been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab. It will undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists to gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident.”
The FDR and CVR contain critical information about the helicopter’s final moments, including cockpit communications, altitude changes, and any potential malfunctions. This data will be instrumental in piecing together what happened in the minutes before the crash, which, authorities believe, will allow them to answer questions surrounding the incident.
As of Friday, however, three individuals remain unaccounted for. Recovery teams continue their search for the missing passengers in collaboration with local and international partners.
In light of this development, NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. commended the efforts of the recovery teams, stressing the significance of the black box in understanding the tragic accident.
“The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident,” he said. “The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations.”
Badeh also expressed empathy for the families affected by the crash, highlighting the NSIB’s commitment to bringing closure to the families of those still unaccounted for.
“While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident,” he stated.
The crash of the Sikorsky SK76 has drawn considerable public attention and concern, especially among those in the aviation industry who are eager to learn whether technical or environmental factors contributed to the accident.
The helicopter, a popular model for offshore and medical flights, is known for its durability and advanced safety features, making the sudden crash all the more puzzling.
Experts believe the recovered data could reveal details about any equipment malfunctions, mechanical failures, or unexpected weather conditions that may have played a role in the accident. The NSIB’s investigation will also examine the helicopter’s maintenance records and the pilot’s training history to see if other factors were at play.
As authorities continue their search efforts and analysis, families of the missing passengers and aviation experts alike await answers that the black box might provide. The NSIB has assured the public that all findings will be made available once the investigation is complete, and any identified safety concerns will be addressed promptly.
