“NSIB Preliminary Report Unveils Safety Lapses in October 2024 Helicopter Crash: Missing Flight Data Recorder, Non-Standard Crew Operations Highlighted”

The tragic crash of the Sikorsky helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited on October 24, 2024, remains etched in memory as a devastating event that exposed significant gaps in aviation safety compliance. The accident occurred off the coast of Bonny Finima, in the unforgiving depths of the Atlantic Ocean, with eight individuals onboard.

In its recently released preliminary report, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), led by Director General Alex Badeh, unveiled critical findings surrounding the incident. Most alarming was the revelation that the helicopter was not equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a mandatory requirement under Part 7.8.2.2(q) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023.

This shortfall raises poignant questions about adherence to safety regulations within Nigeria’s aviation sector. The absence of an FDR, which could have provided vital data to analyze the flight’s trajectory and operations, amplifies the challenge of uncovering precise causes of the crash.

Further deepening concerns, Badeh highlighted that the flight crew failed to follow standard operating procedures, instead using non-standard phraseology throughout the flight. This critical lapse reflected the absence of coordinated callouts for various phases of the flight—fundamental practices essential for safe flight operations.

Another significant revelation was the state of the helicopter’s Radio Altimeter (Rad alt), which had been snagged and deferred six days before the crash, on October 18, 2024. Despite this known issue, the helicopter remained in service. Badeh also noted that weather data provided to the ill-fated flight lacked dew point information, adding to the operational risks.

The NSIB findings confirmed that the helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and that a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed before the flight. During the initial stages of the flight, the Captain served as the Pilot Flying while the First Officer performed the role of Pilot Monitoring—both flight crew members were certified to conduct the operation.

The aftermath of the crash brought somber realities. While five passengers’ bodies were recovered from the Atlantic, the remains of the flight crew and two other occupants have yet to be found. Investigators, under the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations and Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, promptly assessed the site.

In his call for reform, Badeh urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce strict compliance with the regulation requiring helicopters exceeding a 3175 kg takeoff mass to be fitted with FDRs. This step, he emphasized, is vital to ensuring such devastating lapses do not recur in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The October 24, 2024 crash serves as a stark reminder of the price of oversight in safety compliance. As investigations continue, stakeholders in the aviation sector must reflect on the lessons learned and take urgent measures to strengthen operational standards and regulatory enforcement. For the families of the victims and the aviation industry alike, the hope remains that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.