 has faulted the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), led by Chris Ona Najomo, for regulatory lapses in its report on the Sikorsky SK76c helicopter crash, which occurred on October 24, 2024.){kind=link}
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has faulted the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), led by Chris Ona Najomo, for regulatory lapses in its report on the Sikorsky SK76c helicopter crash, which occurred on October 24, 2024.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, claiming multiple lives.
Presenting the investigation findings on Tuesday in Abuja, NSIB Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., revealed that the helicopter, with registration 5N-BQG, was not fitted with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), in violation of Part 7.8.2.2(q) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023.
The regulation mandates that all helicopters with a maximum takeoff weight between 3,175 kg and 7,000 kg must have an FDR installed.
Badeh noted that although the flight crew were certified and the helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, several operational lapses were identified, including the use of non-standard phraseology during the flight and the absence of standard callouts across various flight phases. He further revealed that the helicopter’s Radio Altimeter (Rad Alt) had been reported faulty and deferred six days prior to the accident, on October 18, 2024.
“The helicopter lost contact with air traffic controllers during a routine flight from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the Anton Offshore Facility at 11:22 AM local time,” Badeh stated.
“The impact with the water surface caused the helicopter to disintegrate, making survival for anyone onboard impossible. The helicopter sank to a depth of approximately 42 meters.”
According to the report, five bodies were recovered, while three occupants, including the flight crew and one passenger, remain missing.
The NSIB has now urged the NCAA to enforce strict compliance with the aviation regulations, particularly regarding the installation of FDRs on helicopters.
The development comes amid mounting controversy over the NCAA Director General’s tenure, which industry stakeholders claim has expired.
Aviation experts have called for Najomo’s removal, citing safety concerns and regulatory oversights. Reports allege that Najomo continues to sign official documents despite his tenure ending, while Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo has refrained from acting, allegedly due to family ties—Najomo being his direct uncle.
The NSIB’s findings and the surrounding leadership controversy have raised fresh concerns over regulatory oversight and safety compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.