Reps, NSIB Pledge Transparency In Chopper Crash Probe

House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have assured of the federal government’s commitment to a transparent inquiry into the accident involving the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter (5N BQG).

The chopper carrying oil workers crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on October 24 after leaving Port Harcourt. It was operated by Eastwind Aviation, and fell off the coast of Bonny Finima with eight people on board. Officials said five bodies had been recovered.

The NSIB said with support from local and international partners, it had coordinated a search and recovery mission to locate the wreckage and examined the circumstances of the crash. The director, public affairs and family assistance at NSIB, Bimbo Oladeji, said the director general, Captain Alex Badeh Jr. and chairman of the House of Committee, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade who visited the accident site to oversee the progress of recovery and investigation operations on behalf of the government, would ensure transparent and thorough inquiry into the accident.