Pilot Complained of Instrument Failure before Ditching Ill-fated Bristow Helicopter
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), in its interim report on the Bristow helicopter which crashed in the Lagos lagoon on February 3, has shown that before the pilot ditched the chopper she sent out an emergency signal (mayday) twice and complained of instrument failure in the chopper.
The helicopter with registration number 5N-BQJ was ditched with nine passengers and a two-man crew on board. Although there were no fatalities, its passengers sustained minor injuries during rescue operations after the aircraft landed in the lagoon.
In its investigative update, AIB said the helicopter had departed the Erha oil platform en route Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“The crew declared mayday twice. The first was declared by the crew, 78 nautical miles from Lagos complaining of instrument problems. The aircraft descended from 3,000 feet to 1,500 feet. At this time the flying officer (FO) was the pilot flying (PF).
“The captain took over control expecting to stabilise the helicopter but the aircraft was not responding to control inputs. She declared the second mayday to the radio operator at the offshore platform, which was relayed to the ATC by two separate aircraft. One aircraft was following the communications and relayed the ditching, which occurred at 10.20 am, 29 nautical miles away from the platform,” AIB said.
The bureau said all the 11 souls on board were rescued alive and that the crew was met on arrival by AIB at the Eko Support Quay where they were transferred to Lagoon Hospital, Lagos Island.
“Toxicological tests were administered on the crew, which proved negative of any substance abuse. One passenger was interviewed. The aircraft was recovered from the accident site on February 5, ferried onshore and transferred on a trailer to a storage warehouse.
“Initial field investigation was carried out by AIB and vital components relevant to the investigation including (flight data recorder/cockpit voice recorder) FDR/CVR and the cockpit image recorder were retrieved for further investigation.
“Manufacturer’s representatives are still being expected as we are carrying out the investigation along with them,” AIB also said.
The bureau said in further investigations, it would focus on the aircraft controls with avionics interface; it would carry out further interviews with the crew, maintenance personnel and others relevant to the investigation; and investigate maintenance records including technical logs, adding that Bristow Helicopters is cooperating with AIB in this regard.
The bureau added that essential flight recorders would be flown out for downloading, while TRIM actuators would be sent to the manufacturers for investigative testing, stating that additional updates would be provided as soon as new factual information is available.