The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, in collaboration with other Search and Recovery partners have recovered the Flight Data Recorder, FDR, and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter.
Recall that the NSIB had recovered bodies of five of the eight individuals said to be aboard the ill-fated helicopter.
On October 31, the bureau announced the recovery of the wreckage of the ditched chopper.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident.
The NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos said the FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved Friday morning.
According to Oladeji: “The FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved early this morning.
“This device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
“The recovered recorder has been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab.
” It will undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists to gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident and to help determine the cause of the accident.
“As of today, three individuals remain unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners.”
She added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed and significant developments emerged.
The NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh commended the recovery teams and stressed the importance of the investigation.
“The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident.
“The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us to determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations.
“While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident, ” he said.
The Bureau however pledged its commitment towards conducting an investigation that prioritises transparency and aligns with international standards for aviation safety.
The agency also promised to continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses and significant developments emerge
