November 08, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has successfully recovered the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.
The helicopter registered as 5N BQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, was carrying eight passengers when it went down.
Since the incident, NSIB and its recovery partners have undertaken an extensive search mission, enlisting both local and international expertise to retrieve the bodies of the victims and secure crucial components for an exhaustive investigation.
In an official statement issued Friday, NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, confirmed that the FDR and CVR—often referred to as the “black box”—were retrieved early Friday.
Oladeji added that the recovered devices are now secured and slated for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab, where they will undergo rigorous examination.
“The extracted data will allow NSIB’s specialists to analyze the helicopter’s operational and technical conditions before the crash and help identify the root cause of this tragic incident,” she said.
Meanwhile, three passengers remain unaccounted for, and NSIB has pledged to continue the search in cooperation with international partners.
NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., praised the search and recovery teams, emphasising the importance of the investigation in preventing future accidents.
He stated, “The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder is a significant step towards uncovering the cause of this accident. The black box holds critical data that will help us understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and formulate safety recommendations.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of those still missing, and we are committed to doing all we can to provide them with closure.”
The NSIB reassured the public that the investigation would adhere to international aviation safety standards and would prioritise transparency.
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