A preliminary report released by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) of the helicopter crash involving Agusta Westland W 139 Caverton Helicopters in which Nigeria’s Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo narrowly escaped death in Kabba, Kogi State on February 2nd, showed that a blown out generator may have caused it.
Speaking at a briefing at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Wednesday, AIB Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru, said preliminary report shows the helicopter crash was attributed to the effects of a blown out generator during its landing in a dry dusty environment.
The report said Caverton should have carried out risk assessment test at the Kaaba stadium before the flight.
Olateru 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 added that 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.
Olateru said the final report on the accident will be released in a few months.