*NSIB Launches Investigation on Crashed Helicopter
*NNPC Confirms Engaging Services of Ill-fated Chopper
*NAAPE Mourns Its Members Who Died in Crash
Eight persons including two crew members (pilots) and six passengers have been confirmed dead as a helicopter on oil and gas shuttle service crashed off the coast of Calabar, Cross River State.
The flight, commanded by Capt Yakubu Dukas, took off from Arik Air hangar at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base, Port Harcourt.
The tragic accident, which took place at about 11:22 am yesterday involved a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation and was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it crashed..
A statement signed by the Head Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, indicated that the chopper, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
Throwing more light on the accident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced an investigation into the accident.
NSIB confirmed that 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.
NSIB in a statement signed the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, explained that 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,” the agency said.
Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., 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.”
NSIB said it was actively preparing to dispatch a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis, stating that a preliminary report would be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation’s progress.
However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has admitted the it engaged the services of the ill-fated helicopter.
In a statement signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Limited, Olufemi O. Soneye, the organization stated, “NNPC Ltd Reports Helicopter Incident En-Route NUIMS-ANTAN FPSO On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation. There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered. We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time. We will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
Meanwhile, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has expressed sadness on the tragic death of its members, the two pilots and other souls onboard the chopper.
NAAPE said in a statement signed by its National President, Abednego Galadima, that the Captain Dukas had 20 years flying experience and reiterated the need for safe operating conditions and called on government and relevant aviation agencies to always target zero accident operating environment.
“The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, has received with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash off shore today 24th October, 2024 . More saddening is that the captain on board, Capt Yakubu Dukas, is a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, was the Vice President of our great union.
“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,” NAAPE said.
