The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that the Sikorsky helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, which crashed on October 24, 2024, lacked a Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The helicopter, carrying eight individuals, plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima at approximately 11:22 a.m.
In a press briefing held on December 17, 2024, in Abuja, the NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh, presented the preliminary findings. He emphasized that the aircraft did not have an FDR, a violation of Part 7.8.2.2(q) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, which mandates the installation of FDRs in all helicopters.
Badeh also noted that the flight crew used non-standard phraseology during the flight, with no standard callouts for various flight phases. He disclosed that the aircraft’s radio altimeter had been flagged and deferred for repair on October 18, 2024, six days before the crash. Furthermore, the weather report provided to the crew on the day of the incident omitted dew point data.
According to the report, the crash into the Atlantic Ocean was unsurvivable. The helicopter disintegrated upon impact, scattering debris over a wide area. The main wreckage was located at coordinates 04°13’37” N, 008°19’22” E, submerged at a depth of 42 meters. Fuel traces, helicopter debris, and personal belongings were observed across the crash site.
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The NSIB confirmed that some life vests and three bodies were recovered, with some victims wearing inflated life vests. Despite conducting a perimeter search, no additional bodies were found on the day of the incident.
Director General Badeh stated that the flight crew was certified for the operation. Initially, the captain served as the pilot flying, with the first officer as the pilot monitoring. The helicopter was equipped with a solid-state cockpit voice recorder.
Investigators arrived at the crash site the following day to conduct a post-occurrence assessment in line with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations and Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
The NSIB recommended that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority enforce strict compliance with Nig. CARs 2023, Part 7.8.2.2(q), ensuring that all helicopters with a maximum takeoff mass between 3,175 kg and 7,000 kg are equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
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