Following Saturday’s crash-land of the Augusta AW139 Helicopter conveying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his entourage in Kabba Kogi state, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), will tomorrow (Monday) dispatch a team of investigators to the crash site.
The body responsible for civil aviation accident investigation has taken charge of probing the incident which left the nation in shock and relief as all the occupants of the chopper escaped unhurt.
Spokesman of AIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed on Sunday that it is investigating the crash with its team visiting the crash site on Monday.
The propeller shaft of the aircraft was said to have pulled out during the landing procedures and it took the manoeuvring skills of the Pilot to safely crash-land the chopper.
Caverton Helicopter, the operators of the chopper, cited “unusual weather conditions” as the primary cause of the helicopter crash.
The Managing Director, Caverton, Capt. Josiah Choms, said relevant authorities had been notified on the crash, adding that they were investigating the incident.
He said, “There were no injuries to the passengers or crew onboard and they were all quickly and safely evacuated.
“The relevant authorities have been duly informed and an investigation into the incident has commenced. We will, of course, support the authorities as required.
“We wish to re-assure the public and the various stakeholders of our unwavering commitment to safety in all of our operations.”
Commenting on the incident, an aviation player, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, observed that the crew passengers and onlookers were too close to the crashed helicopter, adding that there was no urgency to flee in case of fire outbreak as a result of the crash.
Ohunayo insisted that it was the responsibility of the crew to ensure that everyone moved as far as possible from the aircraft, but lamented that this did not happen.
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