Bell Helicopter Crash: AIB still at the stage of evidence gathering

…douses media speculations

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has doused media speculations surrounding the ill-fated Bell Helicopter 206-B III that crashed recently in Lagos.

The Commissioner, AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru, disclosed during a press briefing at its Lagos Office that the Bureau was still at the stage of evidence gathering, adding that it has not recovered any Black Box or Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the aircraft, as it was being speculated in the media.

The Commissioner explained that the aircraft does not meet the criteria for an FDR, and did not have one.

According to him, the standard requirement for an FDR on any aircraft is 10 seats, whereas the Bell Helicopter had only 5 seats.

“We are aware of the speculations circulating on social media and other public fora with regards to the probable cause of the crash and AIB’s retrieval of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), popularly known as the Black Box.

We would like to clarify that AIB did not retrieve an FDR from the aircraft as the Bell 206 is certified at approximately 1,519kg (3,350lbs) and featured five seats. It does not meet the necessary criteria for an FDR and was not featured with one.

The standard requirement for an FDR in any aircraft is ten seats,” said Olateru.

He, however, acknowledged that an FDR would have aided investigation of the crash but even without it, a team of world-class investigators were conducting thorough information gathering from the wreckage and other parts of the aircraft.

“An FDR on the aircraft would have aided the investigation but, nevertheless, our 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 said.

The AIB boss also clarified media insinuations that the aircraft was not certified for operation.

According to him, the helicopter with registration marks 5N-BQW, operated by Quorum Aviation Limited, has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness that will expire on October 29, 2020.

“From evidence gathered till date, the helicopter has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) till October 29, 2020 and Quorum Aviation has a valid Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) that will expire November 20, 2020.

We would like to point out that investigations are currently ongoing and conjecture at this stage is detrimental to the process. As a point to note, Accident Investigation is in phases and all procedures are performed in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2019 and the guidance of ICAO Annex 13.

At this instance and in line with the phases of accident investigation processes, we are at the stage of evidence gathering,” he said.

Giving details on the ill-fated flight, Olateru said the aircraft “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.

The aircraft wreckage was also recovered and now in the custody of the Bureau.”

But while the investigation is still ongoing, the Bureau expressed confidence that the preliminary report on the crash will be released in 4 weeks.

He urged the media and the general public to support the investigation with useful information, but avoid speculations that will put the industry in a bad light.

“I will once again appeal to the media and the public at large to avoid speculation and insinuation in this matter.

Please exercise patience and trust AIB to complete the ongoing investigation and make the necessary safety recommendations that will help to prevent the future recurrence of a similar accident. Findings will be made public in due course,” he said.