Helicopter crash: Black box recovered as search for three missing persons continues

Fifteen days after the tragic crash of a Sikorsky helicopter belonging to Eastwind Aviation into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny, Finima in Rivers, the black box of the ill-fated helicopter has been found.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced this recovery in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji on Friday.

The bureau in conjunction with the Search and Recovery partners NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.

According to Oladeji: “The FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved early this morning. This device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

“The recovered recorder has been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab. It will undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists to gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident and to help determine the cause of the accident. As of today, three individuals remain unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners.”

The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident. Since the accident, NSIB and its Search and Recovery partners have coordinated a search and recovery effort in collaboration with local and international partners to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased and the critical components necessary for a comprehensive investigation.

The NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr. commended the recovery teams and stressed the importance of the investigation saying: “The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident. 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.

“While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident.”

The Bureau however pledged its commitment towards conducting an investigation that prioritises transparency and aligns with international standards for aviation safety.

The agency also promised to continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses and significant developments emerge.