The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB says it has commenced Investigation into the accident involving a Sikorsky Helicopter crash which occurred in Port Harcourt this Thursday
So far, three bodies have been recovered as the helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation ditched into waters at Bonny Finima(Atlantic ocean)
The accident occurred at about 11.22am as the helicopter departed Port Harcourt Airport Base to an oil rig with 8 persons on board six passengers and 2 crew members
The NSIB disclosed that the aircraft was enroute from Port Harcourt military Base to the Antom offshore facility when it lost contact with Air traffic controllers around 10.52am.
It further revealed that the helicopter operating under Visual Flight Rules VRF, did not transmit on an Emergency Locator Transmitter signal , prompting authorities to manually plot the accidents location to expedite search and rescue efforts
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo while reacting to the accident in a release from the ministry says it is working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimise casualties from the unfortunate accident
