The Federal Government has engaged aviation experts from the United States and France to aid in examining the wreckage of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024. The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, carried six passengers and two crew members, with five bodies recovered so far and three individuals still missing.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the successful retrieval of the wreckage after an eight-day search. He explained that U.S. and French experts were enlisted due to the aircraft’s American design and French-manufactured engine. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Sikorsky Aircraft, and French representatives from Safran will work alongside the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to probe the incident.
The wreckage, transported to Abuja, will undergo extensive examination, including assessments of maintenance records and the crew’s training and medical history. Keyamo also confirmed that the helicopter’s flight recorder has reached Abuja, providing crucial data for understanding the crash.
The investigation will encompass various factors — human error, technical failure, and environmental influences — to determine the root causes. The minister assured the public of transparency, with a preliminary report expected on the NSIB’s website within 30 days, though the comprehensive investigation may extend up to a year.
Additionally, a family support program, coordinated by NSIB in partnership with the U.S. NTSB, will be offered to the families of the victims. Keyamo expressed commitment to a thorough investigation, aiming to implement safety changes to prevent similar accidents in the future.
