Why Osinbajo’s helicopter crashed – AIB

Osinbajo helicopter crash


The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has released the report of the helicopter crash which was carrying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and his crew to Kabba, Kogi State.

The chopper, Agusta Westland W 139, belonging to Caverton Helicopters, crash-landed on February 2.

AIB said on Wednesday that the chopper crash-landed because of a brownout generated during its landing.

In aviation, brownout is a condition where vision is temporarily dimmed usually with a brown hue generated during landing in a sandy, dusty environment.

Caverton should have carried out risk assessment test at the Kabba stadium before the flight, AIB said.

AIB Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru, during a briefing at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, 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.

He said the NCAA should issue advisory circular to helicopter operators on the effects of brown out and how to mitigate its effects.

Final report on the accident will be released in the next few months, he added.