The Accident Investigation
Bureau, AIB, has released the final report on four air accidents, including the
Bristow Helicopters’ Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters crash that occurred in August 2015
at Oworonshoki area of Lagos.
The Commissioner, AIB, Akin
Olateru, told newsmen on Monday that the Bristow accident occurred when the
system that controlled the stability of the aircraft malfunctioned.
According to him, the Sikorsky
S-76C+ helicopter, with registration number 5N-BGD, crashed into the
Oworonshoki Lagoon with 12 persons onboard, including two crew members, shortly
before landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.
He said there were six
fatalities, including the two pilots, while six persons onboard sustained
serious injuries.
The commissioner stated, “The
separation of the Forward Servo Clevis Rod Assembly from the bearing and Jam
nut (Bell Crank Assembly), which is part of the Cyclic Control System
responsible for stabilising the altitude of the helicopter, made the aircraft
uncontrollable.
“The helicopter experienced
sudden un-commanded pitch up, yaw and roll for about 12 seconds until it
impacted water at about 3:31pm. The pilots were neither able to make any form
of distress call to Air Traffic Controllers, SEDCO Express rig or communicate
with the passengers before impact.”
Olateru said the surviving
passengers reported that the flight was normal until the helicopter suddenly
spiralled, descended and impacted the waters.
“Rescue operation was swift,
prompt and carried out by local fishermen, who were in the area. There were six
fatalities, including two crew members and six seriously injured passengers.
The crew members were recovered the following day. The helicopter was
destroyed, but there was no post-impact fire,” he added.
In its sole safety recommendation
on the accident, the AIB advised the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to redesign
the affected control pushrod assembly by introducing wire lock or lock pins as
safety features between the jam nut and the pushrod to enhance better security
and safety.
It also advised the Nigerian
Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that helicopter operators provide full
weather report for helicopter operations.
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