Amidst ongoing investigations on the helicopter crash conveying Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo two weeks ago, the Accident Investigation Bureau, (AIB) has blamed Caverton helicopters for the crash.
According to the initial reports released in Lagos by the AIB Commissioner, Engineer Akin Olateru, the helicopter had a valid certificate of airworthiness.
The report also revealed that Caverton Helicopters Limited did not carry out safety and risk assessment of the landing area prior to dispatch of the flight.
The flight crew were properly licensed and adequately rested to operate the flight but proper drug and alcohol test for the crew was not conducted by the bureau.
Similarly, the weather report obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), stated that current conditions were good but the aircraft hovered to land in a brown out condition.
Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has also issued two safety recommendations to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Caverton Helicopters to avoid further life- threatening occurrence.
NCAA was advised to issue an Advisory Circular to all Helicopter operators flying in Nigeria to be alert to the possibility and effect of Brownstone as well as adequate measure to minimize its effects.
On the other hand, Caverton Helicopters should ensure that flight operations are carried out in accordance with the company’s approved operations manual vis-à-vis, the survey and proper safety risk analysis are done before dispatching any flight to unapproved landing posts.
The bureau also said that further investigation would be carried out to further determine the cause of the crash and create safety recommendations that would protect lives and properties.
Recall that on February, 2, 2019, a helicopter, Agusta AW139 with registration number: 5N-PEJ and serial number: 31389 owned and operated by Caverton Helicopters crash landed in Kabba, Kogi State with twelve passengers on board, including the Vice President.
