The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released preliminary findings regarding the crash of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Aviation, which plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024. The helicopter, contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was carrying six passengers and two crew members at the time of the accident. While five bodies have been recovered, three remain missing. The NSIB’s investigation has uncovered several regulatory violations by the helicopter’s operators, raising concerns about oversight within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
A key finding of the preliminary report highlights the absence of a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) on the helicopter. This omission directly contravenes Part 7.8.2.2(q) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, which mandates the installation of FDRs in helicopters exceeding a specified weight threshold. While the helicopter was equipped with a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), the lack of an FDR hampers the investigation’s ability to fully understand the sequence of events leading to the crash. This critical piece of equipment would have provided valuable data on the helicopter’s performance and flight parameters in the moments preceding the accident.
Further compounding the regulatory violations, the NSIB report indicates that the flight crew employed non-standard phraseology throughout the flight. This deviation from established communication protocols raises concerns about the crew’s adherence to standard operating procedures and their ability to effectively communicate during critical phases of the flight. The absence of standard callouts, as noted in the report, further underscores this lapse in professionalism and adherence to established best practices in aviation communication.
The preliminary findings also reveal a pre-existing maintenance issue with the helicopter’s Radio Altimeter (Rad alt). This instrument, crucial for providing accurate altitude readings, had been reported as faulty and deferred on October 18, 2024, just six days prior to the crash. The implications of this deferred maintenance remain under investigation, but the potential impact on the crew’s situational awareness during the flight cannot be overlooked. Additionally, the absence of dew point data in the weather information provided to the helicopter raises questions about the comprehensiveness of the pre-flight briefing and the potential impact of atmospheric conditions on the accident.
While the full cause of the crash is still under investigation, the NSIB’s preliminary analysis suggests that the helicopter experienced difficulty maintaining stability shortly before impact. The CVR captured the aural warning “Bank angle, Bank angle” indicating a potential loss of control, followed by evidence of smoke emanating from the engine before the helicopter ditched into the ocean. These findings point towards potential mechanical issues, pilot error, or a combination of factors contributing to the tragic outcome. Further analysis of the CVR data, coupled with other investigative efforts, will be crucial in determining the precise sequence of events and establishing the root cause of the crash.
The NSIB, in response to its findings, has urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce stricter compliance with Nig. CARs 2023, particularly regarding the mandatory installation of FDRs in helicopters of a certain weight class. This recommendation underscores the critical role of regulatory oversight in ensuring aviation safety and preventing future accidents. The ongoing investigation into the SK76 crash will undoubtedly provide valuable lessons for the Nigerian aviation industry, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations, maintaining proper communication protocols, and addressing maintenance issues promptly. The final report, once released, will provide a comprehensive analysis of the accident and offer recommendations for improving aviation safety in Nigeria.
The investigation also encompasses other aviation incidents, including a final report on a serious incident involving a Beech Baron 58 aircraft operated by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology. This incident, which occurred at Kaduna Airport on December 31, 2022, further underscores the need for continuous vigilance and rigorous safety protocols within Nigeria’s aviation sector. The NSIB’s commitment to thoroughly investigating these incidents demonstrates a proactive approach to improving safety standards and preventing future accidents. By meticulously analyzing the contributing factors in each case, the NSIB aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance safety practices across the industry. The ultimate goal is to foster a culture of safety and prevent further tragedies in Nigerian airspace.
