By Jennifer Y Omiloli
On Wednesday, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB ) released the report of the helicopter crash involving Agusta Westland W 139 Caverton Helicopters which flew Vice President to Kabba in Kogi State.
The AIB attributed the February 2, 2019 crash of the Chopper marked with registration number 5N – CML to effects of a brown out (Brown out in aviation language means a condition generated during landing in a sandy, dusty environment).
It said Caverton should have carried out risk assessment test at the Kaaba stadium before the flight.
The chopper operated by Caverton Helicopter occurred at Kaaba Stadium in Kogi State. It flew Osinbajo his entourage and three crew members.
The chopper was manufactured in 2012.
AIB Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru, while speaking at a briefing at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, said though the investigation into the crash is ongoing, it has however issued two safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the operator: Caverton Helicopters Limited.
Olateru said the NCAA should issue advisory circular to helicopter operators on the effects of brown out and how to mitigate its effects.
The second safety recommendation, Olateru said is for Caverton Helicopters to carry out proper risk analysis and assessment before operating flights into unapproved landing pad.
He said the final report on the accident will be released in few months.
