The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has clarified that the crashed Eastwind Aviation Sikorsky S76c+ Helicopter was not fitted with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), as required by Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023. Instead, the agency discovered only the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) upon analysis. NSIB’s immediate recommendation urges the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce strict compliance with Nig. CARs 2023, which mandates that all helicopters with a maximum takeoff mass over 3175kg must be equipped with an FDR.
Following the incident, the NSIB recommended ensuring that helicopters, especially those within a certain weight class, comply with this regulation. The report also highlighted that a malfunctioning Radio Altimeter (Rad Alt) had been deferred six days before the crash. The Rad Alt is crucial for providing altitude readings, and the deferral suggested that the device’s repair was postponed despite its vital role in flight safety. READ ALSO: Sikorsky SK76 Helicopter Blackbox Recovered to Aid NSIB Investigation
Additionally, the investigation revealed discrepancies in communication and operational procedures. Captain Alex Badeh, speaking to NigerianFLIGHTDECK, clarified that the helicopter was fitted with only a CVR, not the full BlackBox containing both an FDR and CVR, contrary to initial claims. Furthermore, Badeh emphasized that the crew had the necessary certification for the flight. Despite these qualifications, the report noted operational lapses such as the use of non-standard phraseology and a lack of required callouts during different flight phases.
Further investigation found that the helicopter had been on a routine operation, transporting oil workers to the Nuim Antan Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility. The crash occurred after a routine clearance for departure from Port Harcourt Military Ground Control, with communication continuing as the helicopter climbed to 1500 feet. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed into the ocean, resulting in the loss of all eight occupants.
The report also revealed the final moments of the flight, with the Pilot Monitoring reporting a malfunction just moments before the crash. “This thing is not working,” was the last statement recorded on the Cockpit Voice Recorder, followed by an aural warning of a bank angle issue. Despite efforts to investigate other recent incidents, including that of the Bell 429 Helicopter operated by Nigeria Police Air Wing, no clear answers emerged regarding the underlying causes of the crash.
In conclusion, the NSIB has released several accident and incident reports to the public, offering recommendations for improved safety standards. These findings underscore the need for stricter adherence to aviation regulations, including the requirement for all helicopters to be fitted with a Flight Data Recorder FDR, and better oversight from relevant authorities to prevent future occurrences.
