Helicopter Crash Update: Preliminary report to be released in 30 days, says Minister Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the preliminary report on the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Rivers State will be made public within 30 days.

Keyamo made this promise while addressing journalists alongside top officials from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in Abuja.

The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation and contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24. The aircraft had six passengers and two crew members on board.

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Keyamo revealed that the black box, comprising the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, had been recovered and analysis has commenced. “All things being equal, we will publish the preliminary report on the NSIB website within 30 days,” he stated.

Notably, the investigation process involves international collaboration, with the United States and France contributing experts to uncover the crash’s cause.

He added:”Additionally, the NSIB’s family assistance department, in collaboration with the NTSB and the NTSB, will be working with the bereaved family members to bring them some comfort at this difficult time”.

The United States, as the helicopter’s manufacturer, has appointed an investigator, while France, responsible for the engine’s design and manufacture, has also assigned a representative to aid the investigation. This collaborative effort aims to ensure a thorough probe and provide critical safety recommendations.

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