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Osinbajo’s Helicopter Crash: AIB Confirms Brownout Says Inappropriate Landing Technique Was Used

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By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has confirmed that the accident on February 2nd, 2019 at about 7:26 involving Agusta Westland (AW139) helicopter with registration marks 5N-CML operated by Caverton Helicopters Limited which had 12 persons including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo his entourage and three crew members on board was as a result of a brownout condition during the hover to land and the use of inappropriate landing technique.

The Commissioner/CEO of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Akin Olateru confirmed the cause of the accident at the media briefing on the release of four final reports held Tuesday in Abuja.

During his speech Olateru said “the flight crew stated that they sighted the intended landing area as a result of the cloud of residual dust generated by the downwash of a Police helicopter. ”

“After sighting the football field, the flight crew approached with the speed of 20 kt to about a 100 ft, and entered a hover to land. At about 50 ft above ground level, a brownout set in. The flight crew lost visual contact with the ground and external surroundings.”

“The Co-pilot began radio altitude callouts “35, 30, 25, 20 and 15”. At about 14:34 h, the helicopter experienced a hard landing on the right main landing gear and rolled over onto its right side. All persons on board were evacuated uninjured.”

It would be recalled that the helicopter departed Lagos for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, to conduct a VIP charter flight from Abuja to Okene via Kabba and return to Abuja.

Highlighting the contributory factors, he said that Inappropriate landing technique was used, non-adherence to company procedures for known or anticipated brownout condition during landing and lack of risk assessment, limited landing site preparation and planning prior to commencement of the flight.

The commissioner urged the public to visit the bureau’s website www.aib.gov.ng for full details of the four reports release Tuesday and other reports “You can also download our Mobile App, AIB Nigeria, on Google Play Store and IOS.”

“The four reports we are releasing today are as follows: Report on the Serious Incident involving Bombardier DHC-8-Q400 aircraft owned and operated by Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Ltd. with nationality and registration marks 5N-BPU, which occurred at FL240, 80 NM to Lagos on 18th April 2017, report on the Serious Incident involving a Diamond DA-42 aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BNH owned and operated by the International Aviation College, which occurred on Runway 23 Ilorin International Airport on 1st of May, 2019

“Report on the Serious Incident involving a Diamond DA-40 aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BRM owned and operated by International Aviation College, which occurred on Runway 23, Ilorin International Airport On 27th of March, 2014 and report on the Accident involving an Agusta-Westland AW139 Helicopter operated by Caverton Helicopters Limited with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-CML, which occurred at Kabba Stadium, Kogi State on 2nd February, 2019.” He said.

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