Following the recent Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Federal Government to include a pilot in the ongoing investigation panel. The National President of NAAPE, Abednego Galadima, emphasized that pilot inclusion aligns with global best practices for air crash investigations, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of potential flight-related factors.

The tragic accident on November 24 involved a Sikorsky helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation, which crashed en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig, claiming the life of NAAPE Vice President, Captain Yakubu Dukas. In response, Galadima highlighted the need for an all-encompassing investigation and called on the government to ensure that both direct and underlying causes of the crash are thoroughly examined.

“We urge the government to leave no stone unturned in identifying every contributing factor to this accident,” Galadima stated, adding that NAAPE’s representation on the investigation panel would support transparency and accuracy.

Galadima also addressed concerns about the state of emergency response and rescue infrastructure in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that NAAPE’s internal assessment revealed substandard conditions. “We want to urge the government to upgrade emergency rescue infrastructure to international standards, as current measures appear below par,” he said.

NAAPE’s appeal underscores the association’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety and ensuring that lessons from this tragic incident lead to preventive measures. As the investigation progresses, NAAPE hopes that the government will prioritize safety improvements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.