Police Helicopter Accident: AIB-N solicits public support, video evidence to aid investigation

The Accident Investigation Bureau of Nigeria (AIB-N) has called on the general public to assist in the investigation of an accident involving a Bell 429 helicopter with Registration Marks 5N-MDA owned and operated by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, the Bureau said “the accident occurred on 26th January 2022 around 7:30 pm (Local Time) at Bauchi Airport.”

It added that the NPF helicopter had departed Abuja at 16:54 UTC for Bauchi with six passengers onboard maintaining 5,500ft and, at the time of the accident, there were some injuries but no fatality.

The Bureau said it has commenced investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident, but called on the general public to assist with any video clips or information that would aid its investigation.

“On 26th January 2022, Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria was notified by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) about an accident involving a Bell 429 helicopter with Registration Marks 5N-MDA owned and operated by Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

“The accident occurred on 26th January 2022 around 7:30 pm (Local Time) at Bauchi Airport.

“The NPF helicopter had departed Abuja at 16:54 UTC for Bauchi with Six persons onboard maintaining 5,500ft.

“There were some injuries but no fatality.

“The investigating agency, AIB-N needs and hereby solicits your assistance. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clips, evidence, or information any member of the public may have of the accident that can assist us with this investigation.

“The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the accident until the formal report is released,” said the AIB-N.