Accident investigators have been deployed to the scene of the
weekend helicopter crash involving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in
Kogi State.
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) is investigating why and
how Agusto Westland AW139 helicopter crash-landed in Kabba.
AIB spokesman Tunji Oketumbi told The Nation in a telephone
interview yesterday that besides the assessment of the crash scene,
the AIB team will ascertain the cause(s) of the accident.
The team will also interview the crew – pilots and engineers and
other professionals from Caverton Helicopters – that operated the
ill-fated chopper.
The investigators will examine the chopper’s wreckage and other
relevant materials connected to its operations.
Oketumbi said a preliminary report on the accident will be
released “in a matter of days”, adding that relevant aeronautical
agencies have swung into action to unravel the cause of the
crash.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reported the crash
to the AIB.
Its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, said:
“The NCAA has been notified about the incident and we have notified
the AIB to begin investigations in line with its mandate.”
Caverton Helicopters, in a statement by its Managing Director,
Capt. Josiah Choms, said aviation agencies had been informed about
the incident.
Choms said: “An Augsto AW139 Helicopter under management by
Caverton Helicopters was involved in a mishap on landing in Kabba,
Kogi State on February 2, 2019 as a result of unusual weather
conditions.
“There were no injuries to the passengers or crew on board and
they were all quickly and safely evacuated. The relevant
authorities have been duly informed and an investigation into the
incident has commenced. We will, of course, support the authorities
as required.
“We wish to reassure the public and our various stakeholders of
our unwavering commitment to safety in all our operations.”