Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the Sikorsky helicopter crash operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited, which plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, Rivers State, on October 24, 2024.
The crash, which claimed all eight lives on board, revealed significant regulatory violations, including the absence of a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a requirement under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023.
Speaking on Tuesday, NSIB Director General Alex Badeh confirmed: “The helicopter was not fitted with an FDR, which is in violation of Part 7.8.2.2(q) of Nig. CARs, requiring such equipment on aircraft certified to operate in Nigerian airspace.”
Badeh also pointed out that the flight crew did not adhere to standard aviation procedures, stating: “The flight crew used non-standard phraseology throughout the flight, with no standard callouts for various flight phases.”
The report further revealed that the helicopter’s Radio Altimeter (Rad Alt) had been reported faulty on October 18, 2024—six days before the accident—and was not fixed.
Additionally, the weather information provided on the day of the crash lacked dew point data.
Despite these issues, Badeh confirmed the flight crew were certified for the operation.
“The Captain served as the Pilot Flying, while the First Officer acted as the Pilot Monitoring during the initial phase of the flight,” he said.
The report noted: “The helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. A Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan was filed.”
Badeh added that five passenger bodies have been recovered, but the remains of the other three, including the flight crew, are still missing.
The helicopter, identified as 5N-BQG, was equipped with a solid-state cockpit voice recorder.
Investigators arrived at the crash site the following day and began assessments in line with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Badeh called for stricter enforcement of aviation rules.
He said: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should ensure strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 7.8.2.2(q), which requires all helicopters with a maximum takeoff mass over 3,175 kg and up to 7,000 kg to be fitted with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR).”
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.