The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has criticized the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in its accident report on the Sikorsky SK76c helicopter crash that occurred on October 24, 2024.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation and registered as 5N-BQG, plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima off Calabar’s coast during a routine flight. The crash, which claimed eight lives, revealed critical safety lapses, including the absence of a mandatory Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
The NSIB highlighted that the omission violated part 7.8.2.2(q) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, which mandates that helicopters with a maximum takeoff mass exceeding 3,175 kg be equipped with an FDR.
Key Findings:
- The helicopter lacked a Flight Data Recorder despite meeting regulatory requirements for its installation.
- The flight crew used non-standard phraseology, with no standard callouts during various flight phases.
- The helicopter’s Radio Altimeter (Rad Alt) had been flagged and deferred six days before the crash.
- Weather information provided to the crew lacked dew point data.
- The crash resulted in the helicopter’s disintegration upon impact, scattering its parts across the ocean and leaving no survivors.
Five bodies have been recovered, while three, including the crew, remain missing.
The report comes amid calls for the removal of the NCAA’s Director-General, whose tenure allegedly expired. Critics accuse the DG of signing documents and memos beyond his acting capacity. Reports also suggest familial ties with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo have influenced the DG’s prolonged stay.
Industry experts urge immediate action to restore confidence in aviation safety and compliance. The NSIB has recommended stricter enforcement of aviation regulations to prevent future tragedies.
