The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Tuesday, said the ill-fated Bell 206 B III helicopter does not have the capability to discharge fuel before the tragic crash.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of the bureau, Akin Olateru in a press briefing on Tuesday , even as he expressed sadness that tragic incident was the first aviation fatality in five years.
Olateru said :”What I can say to you categorically is that the aircraft Bell 206 B III does not have the capability to jettison fuel. It is not designed to do that. I do not know how you can perform a role the aircraft is not designed to.”
He said, “Before August 28th in terms of Civil Air Safety, Nigeria ranks one of the highest. There are very few countries that can boast in five years they are not having fatalities in five years. We are still one of the best in the world.”
Giving details about the crash, the AIB CEO said the helicopter left the Port Harcourt Military Airport for EAN Hanger, Lagos Airport. However, the crash occurred at 12:19 pm, as the chopper failed to establish contact with the Air Traffic Controllers three minutes after sighting the airfield.
He said, “On 28th August 2020, a Bell 206 B III helicopter with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQW, operated by Quorum Aviation Limited, started its engine at 09:15 h. At 0920 h, the helicopter lifted off from Port Harcourt Military Airport, DNPM for EAN Hanger, Lagos Airport.
“At 11:45h, the aircraft established contact with Lagos Tower, reporting maintaining 1000 ft and estimating the station at 12:18 h. In the ensuing communication, the pilot was advised of station weather.
“At 12:10 h, the pilot reported sighting the airfield and was instructed by ATC, to report downwind for runway 18L.
“At 12:16h, the ATC tried unsuccessfully to establish contact with the aircraft.
“At 12:36h, ATC was informed of the crash of the helicopter by MMF02, a MMIA fire station.
“At the crash site, two bodies were recovered. A third occupant was evacuated but died later in the hospital.”
Olateru also said that no Flight Data Recorder was recovered from the ill-fated crash due to its size and number of seats. He noted that the standard requirement for an FDR in any aircraft is ten seats and the chopper was not featured with one.
Notwithstanding, the CEO stressed that its world-class trained investigators are competent to retrieve information about a crash from the wreckage and several other components of the aircraft, the site of the crash, communication with the ATC, and other documents on the aircraft and the crew.
He added that cooperation was received from Quorum Aviation and that the helicopter has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness till October 29, 2020, and a valid Air Operator’s Certificate that will expire November 20, 2020
The AIB boss also appreciated Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Police Force, Fire Service, and other law enforcement agencies for the role they played in securing the recent crash site and controlling the crowd at the scene.
The preliminary report is to be expected in four weeks time.
Recall that the Bell 206 Helicopter with registration marks 5N-BQW crashed into a wall last Friday, claiming the lives of three crew members thereafter.
