Five personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday escaped death when their helicopter crash-landed and burst into flames at the Air Force base in Port Harcourt.
The MI-35P military helicopter crash-landed shortly after taking off from the base for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the five however suffered minor injuries and were receiving medical attention.
Gabkwet also said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was already on his way to Port Harcourt to assess the situation himself, see to the wellbeing of the crew and give further directives.
“Incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous task of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities,” he atated.
