The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), in collaboration with search and recovery partners including NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy and HydroDive, has successfully recovered the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident.
Since the incident, NSIB and its partners have coordinated extensive search and recovery efforts, working alongside local and international stakeholders to locate the bodies of the missing and retrieve critical components for the investigation.
The FDR and CVR, often referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” were retrieved early this morning. These devices are essential for investigators to analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident. The recovered recorders have been secured and will be transported to NSIB’s data analysis lab, where specialists will extract and analyse the data to better understand the operational and technical conditions that preceded the accident.
A statement from NSIB’s director of public affairs and family assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji confirmed that three individuals remain missing, and the search will continue in partnership with both local and international agencies. NSIB director-general, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. lauded the recovery teams and highlighted the significance of the investigation:
“The recovery of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder marks a major step toward understanding what led to this tragic accident. The black box contains critical information that will shed light on the sequence of events, helping us determine the cause and make any necessary safety recommendations. While our thoughts remain with the families of those still missing, our teams are working diligently to locate the missing individuals and provide answers to those affected.”
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau pledged its commitment to conducting a transparent investigation that meets international aviation safety standards. Further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses and significant findings emerge.
