The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the crash of a Sikorsky helicopter near Finima in Bonny, Rivers State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on October 24, 2024, claimed the lives of all eight people on board.
The helicopter, marked S76C with registration 5N-BQG, was operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited.
According to the NSIB report, an eyewitness at Nuim Antan, a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, saw thick smoke coming from the helicopter before it plunged into the Atlantic Ocean.
The witness described how the aircraft appeared to be struggling to gain balance just moments before the crash.
“The Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) called the helicopter via radio three times but got no response,” the report stated.
“A PAN PAN call was immediately made to alert rescue teams.”
The NSIB confirmed that a massive search and rescue operation followed the crash.
The rescue effort involved the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other organizations.
The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was recovered from the seabed 13 days after the crash.
“The CVR was successfully retrieved at a depth of 42 meters and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) laboratory in the United States,” the report noted.
Investigators managed to download the final 31 minutes of the CVR recording.
The report further revealed that the helicopter was operating without a Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
This is a clear violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023.
According to the regulations, helicopters weighing between 3,175 kg and 7,000 kg must be fitted with an FDR.
The helicopter’s Radio Altimeter (Radait), an essential safety device, had also been reported faulty and deferred just six days before the crash.
The NSIB findings described fuel floating on the surface of the water at the crash site.
Helicopter debris and personal belongings of passengers were scattered across the area.
The report also detailed the crash coordinates as 04°13’37” N 008°19’22” E.
The wreckage was found at a depth of 42 meters in the Atlantic Ocean.
Captain Alex Badeh, the NSIB Director General, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety regulations to avoid similar tragedies.
“This incident highlights the need for strict compliance with safety standards, especially in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” Badeh said.
He noted that the preliminary report provides crucial details from witness statements and technical analysis.
Badeh also urged operators to address safety issues such as deferred maintenance on critical equipment.
“The Radio Altimeter failure, which had been noted earlier, is a warning sign that safety lapses can have deadly consequences,” he added.
Further investigations into the crash are still ongoing.
The NSIB said a final report would be released once all findings are analyzed.
Meanwhile, the bureau also published final reports on six other aviation incidents.
This includes the serious incident involving a Beech Baron 58 aircraft operated by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).
That incident occurred on December 31, 2022, at the General Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport in Kaduna.
Another report detailed the January 26, 2022 crash involving a Nigeria Police Bell 429 helicopter at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport in Bauchi.
Safety analysts say these reports underline recurring challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“We need better oversight and stricter enforcement of safety regulations,” said aviation expert, Adeyemi Akande.
Families of the victims of the Port Harcourt crash have expressed their grief and called for accountability.
“We demand answers and action,” said a relative of one of the passengers.
“This tragedy could have been avoided.”
As investigations continue, the NSIB has vowed to ensure transparency and accountability in the aviation industry.
The bureau reiterated its commitment to improving safety for all air travelers in Nigeria.
