NSIB, House Committee Assure On Transparent Probe Of Sikorsky Helicopter Crash

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology have pledged a transparent and comprehensive investigation into last week’s tragic Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash off the coast of Bonny Finima.

The accident, involving a chopper operated by Eastwind Aviation, occurred on October 24, 2024, after it departed from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with eight passengers, including oil workers.

In an update provided by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, the agency revealed that five bodies have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, where the helicopter is believed to have gone down.

The statement highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure a transparent inquiry to uncover the causes of the crash.

The Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, visited the accident site to oversee recovery operations and investigative progress.

Captain Badeh underscored the NSIB’s commitment to a transparent investigation, emphasizing that the bureau is working with local and international partners on recovery and investigative missions.

“Our team is deploying the highest standards to ensure we bring clarity to the families affected, while enhancing safety measures that will benefit all Nigerians. Transparency and accountability guide this process as we work to bring closure to those impacted and provide actionable recommendations to improve aviation safety,” he stated.

Hon. Akinlade, expressing condolences to the affected families, echoed the commitment of the National Assembly to support recovery efforts and draw lessons that will strengthen aviation safety standards.

He said, “This tragedy affects us all, and our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones. The safety of our citizens and the integrity of our transport system are priorities for the National Assembly. We will ensure that insights and lessons from this investigation contribute to Nigeria’s aviation safety policies and broader transport safety initiatives.”

According to NSIB, the investigation examines environmental conditions, safety protocols, and technical factors that may have contributed to the crash. Both officials received updates on the search and recovery progress from the multidisciplinary team at the site.

The NSIB and the House of Representatives have reiterated their commitment to an objective and transparent probe that will yield findings to enhance Nigeria’s transport safety measures.

NSIB