BEVERLY HILLS, February 04, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Bristow Helicopters from further operating its SikorskyS-76C++ aircraft in Nigerian airspace following the successive air mishaps of the aircraft in Nigerian waters.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, who announced the ban to reporters at NCAA Annex at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos, said the suspension which is for the safety of lives, would remain until a complete audit of the aircraft is done.
There have been at least two incidents in the last six months involving the aircraft type in Bristow’s fleet.
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“On the heels of the Bristow Helicopter’s controlled ditching yesterday, 3rd February 2016, I consider it expedient to communicate to you certain decisions that the Authority has taken concerning the incident
“These decisions are without prejudice to the investigations being conducted by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). As a matter of fact, it will serve to assist the entire process. The Authority will fully support AIB in the investigation.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has therefore decided to suspend the operation of the Bristow Helicopters SikorskyS-76C++ type till further notice,” the Director-General said.
THEWILL recalls that six months ago a SikorskyS-76C++ operated by Bristow Helicopters crashed into the Oworonshoki-end of the Lagos lagoon, killing at least six passengers.
However, Wednesday’s controlled crash at the Atlantic Ocean near Lagos recorded zero fatality.
An official statement by Bristow Helicopters on the crash said the crash occurred at about 10.25 a.m. local time on return from an offshore platform. “The aircraft, a Sikorsky S-76C++, had departed on a routine crew transfer flight offshore with nine passengers and a crew of two,” the company said.
