Kehinde Fajobi
The search and recovery team investigating the October 24 Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash off Bonny Finima has recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), crucial components for understanding the cause of the accident.
Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), announced the discovery in a statement on Friday.
She detailed that the recovery team included the NNPC, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive.
“NSIB, in conjunction with the Search and Recovery partners NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024,” Oladeji’s statement read.
She noted that the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was carrying eight passengers when it crashed.
Since the incident, NSIB and its partners have coordinated search efforts to locate the victims and retrieve essential components for the investigation.
The black box was found early Friday morning and will be transported to NSIB’s data analysis lab for examination.
According to NSIB, the data extracted from the black box will enable investigators to assess flight performance and cockpit communications, shedding light on the events that led to the crash.
“Three individuals remain unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners,” the statement noted.
NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the recovery teams, stressing the significance of the black box data.
“The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident,” Captain Badeh said.
“The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations.”
He expressed condolences to the families of those still missing and affirmed that ongoing efforts aim to provide answers to those affected by the accident.