The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) has affirmed that the Quorum Aviation helicopter that crashed into a building in Lagos on August 28 has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) till October 29, 2020 and Quorum Aviation has a valid Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) that will expire November 20, 2020.
The Bureau also announced that preliminary reports of the crash will be released in four weeks.
The Bureau noted that investigations are currently ongoing and conjecture at this stage is detrimental to the process, adding that accident investigation is in phases and all procedures are performed in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2019 and the guidance of ICAO Annex 13.
AIB-N stressed that at this instance and in line with the phases of accident investigation processes, it is still at the stage of evidence gathering.
Recall that on Friday, August 28, a Bell Helicopter 206-B III, Serial Number 3216, Engine Model Allison 250–C20B with the Nationality registration Marks 5N-BQW operated by Quorum Aviation crashed into a building at Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The flight originated in Port Harcourt with Lagos as its intended destination.
Speaking at a press briefing to update the public on progress made so far in investigating the helicopter crash, Akin Olateru, commissioner/CEO of AIB-N, said he was aware of the speculations circulating on social media and other public fora with regards to the probable cause of the crash and AIB’s retrieval of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), popularly known as the Black Box.
Olateru, however, clarified that AIB-N did not retrieve an FDR from the aircraft as the Bell 206 is certified at approximately 1,519kg (3,350lbs) and featured five seats, adding that it does not meet the necessary criteria for an FDR and was not featured with one.
“The standard requirement for an FDR in any aircraft is ten seats. It is extremely important to note that the Aviation Industry is the most regulated industry globally and its operations are regulated in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“The installation and application of FDRs in aircraft is guided by ICAO Annex 6, Parts 1 and 2. The basic standards for both Parts are essentially similar. Part 1 applies to commercial aircraft while Part 2 is for non-commercial operations.
“An FDR on the aircraft would have aided the investigation but, nevertheless, our world class trained investigators are competent to retrieve information about a crash from the wreckage and several other components of the aircraft, the site of the crash, communication with the ATC, and other documents on the aircraft and the crew,” he explained.
Against speculations making rounds that the pilot jettisoned fuel before landing, the AIB commissioner stated that the aircraft does not have the capability to jettison fuel.
Olateru disclosed that the following information has been obtained as at Tuesday:
“At 11:45h, the aircraft established contact with Lagos Tower, reporting maintaining 1000 ft and estimating the station at 12:18 h. In the ensuing communication, the pilot was advised of station weather.
“At 12:10 h, the pilot reported sighting the airfield and was instructed by Air Traffic Controllers (ATC), to report downwind for runway 18L and at 12:16h, the ATC tried unsuccessfully to establish contact with the aircraft.
At 12:36h, ATC was informed of the crash of the helicopter by MMF02, a MMIA fire station.
“At the crash site, two bodies were recovered. A third occupant was evacuated but died later in the hospital.
The aircraft wreckage was also recovered and now in the custody of the Bureau. We have been receiving cooperation from Quorum Aviation Ltd, the owners and operator of the ill-fated aircraft.”
He assured that all relevant stakeholders have been notified including the aircraft and engine manufacturers and implored the press and the public to trust AIB to be thorough and transparent in this investigation and await the formal report of findings and recommendations, which will be released after its conclusion.
Olateru disclosed that in view of the role Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) played at the Bell 206-B3 crash site, AIB is looking at securing collaboration with the agency as a way of further strengthening the security at crash sites and of vital evidence that could aid our investigations.
“As investigation into the crash continues, AIB needs and hereby solicits for your assistance. We want the public to know that we would still be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the accident, and which can assist us further with this investigation.
“In recent years AIB has secured important collaborative agreements with other agencies and organizations, at home and abroad, to improve our efficiency and the safety of the Nigerian air space.
“I would like to appreciate LASEMA, the Nigerian Police Force, Fire Service and other law enforcement agencies for the role they played in securing the recent crash site and controlling the crowd at the scene,” he said.
