Black Box Recovered in Sikorsky Helicopter Crash, Three Remain Missing as Search Intensifies
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), in close collaboration with key partners, has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter (5N BQG) accident that occurred off the coast of Bonny Finima.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, tragically ditched in the Atlantic Ocean on 24 October 2024, while carrying eight passengers.
While search and recovery efforts continue for three missing individuals, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – collectively known as the black box – were successfully recovered early this morning.
The black box retrieval, a critical milestone in the investigation process, was made possible through the concerted efforts of the NSIB and its recovery partners, which include the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, and the underwater exploration company, HydroDive.
The devices will now be transported to NSIB’s data analysis lab, where experts will extract and analyse data to establish the events leading up to the incident.
NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. expressed his gratitude to the recovery teams for their persistence and professionalism, and he underscored the significance of this development.
“The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident.
“The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations,” he stated.
Badeh further emphasised that efforts to locate the three individuals who remain unaccounted for are ongoing, with NSIB coordinating with both local and international partners to bring closure to affected families.
“While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident,” he added.
According to NSIB’s spokesperson, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and will conduct a thorough and objective investigation that aligns with international aviation safety standards.
The black box analysis is expected to shed light on operational and technical aspects of the flight, offering critical insights that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NSIB, Nigeria’s agency responsible for investigating transport accidents across air, sea, and land, assures the public that further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
