The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it is
offering its full cooperation to the National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) in the investigation of the tragic Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 crash that
resulted in the death of Dr Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of
Access Holdings and five others who were onboard.
NSIB, the multimodal transport agency in Nigeria responsible
for promoting transport safety and conducting objective and thorough,
investigations into transport accidents, said it is compelled to ink the
collaboration with the US body as a state with special interest in the accident
involving its citizens.
In a statement, the NSIB said since the accident occurred,
the Director-General, NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh has established contact with NTSB,
in accordance with Chapter 5 subsection 27 of ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention
on International Civil Aviation - Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation,
which grants a State (nation) special interest in an accident involving its
citizens.
Citing the ICAO provision, Badeh said state which has a
special interest in an accident by virtue of fatalities or serious injuries to
its citizens shall be entitled to appoint an expert who shall be entitled to visit
the scene of the accident; have access to the relevant information which is
approved for public release by the state conducting the investigation, and
information on the progress of the investigation, adding that Nigeria can also receive
a copy of the Final Report.
Badeh said :"
ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil therefore
grants Nigeria, through the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the
prerogative to appoint an expert to actively participate in the investigation.
"This participation ensures access to relevant
information and facilitates cooperation with the investigating authorities,
towards ensuring the investigation reaches a conclusive outcome.
"The ongoing discussion between the NSIB and NTSB has
highlighted the diligent investigation efforts of the NTSB. NTSB investigators
were present at the crash scene in Halloran Springs, California, on Saturday to
collect evidence and conduct initial on-scene documentation.
"The documentation process included aerial mapping of
the wreckage with a drone, and site measurements.
"Correspondence between the NSIB and NTSB further
revealed that the NTSB investigation into the crash is being led by Aaron Sauer
as the investigator in charge, supported by Mark Ward as the deputy
investigator in charge."
He said several other NTSB investigators will also be
examining various aspects of the accident including airworthiness and
maintenance structures, operations, meteorology and air traffic control.
Notably, the airworthiness investigation group , he said has
initiated a meticulous examination of the debris field, which spans
approximately 100 yards.
He went on:" All significant components of the
helicopter, including the main transmission, engine, and various avionic
elements, were identified and accounted for at the accident site.
"In tandem, the operations investigation group has
commenced gathering crucial company information, including pilot records,
flight dispatch records, and aircraft maintenance records.
"Moving forward, coordination is underway by the NTSB to
transfer the wreckage to a secure location on Tuesday for in-depth examination
and analysis scheduled
"Parties to the investigation include Orbic Air, LLC,
and the FAA. As the investigation continues, other parties could be named.
Additionally, the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety
(BEA), the French aviation accident investigation agency, will also serve as an
accredited representative, due to France being the state of manufacturer for
the Airbus helicopter and Turbomeca Engine. "Both Airbus Helicopters and
Turbomeca Engines will serve as technical advisors to the investigation."
Badeh said the duration of the accident investigation being
conducted by NTSB is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months to
complete.
He said:" The actual duration depends on many factors.
Each investigator carries a caseload of many accident investigations which they
work on concurrently and each investigation presents its unique complexities.
"The NTSB accident investigation process typically
comprises three major milestones. The first is the preliminary investigation
report, which contains information gathered by investigators during the
on-scene examination.
"This report is expected to be released within 14 to 21
days following the date of the examinations. The next milestone involves the
compilation of the public docket, which includes a collection of information
gathered throughout the investigation. This typically includes photographs,
interview summaries, documentation, and other relevant data.
"Finally, the third milestone is the publication of the
final aviation accident report, which serves to conclude the investigation.
This report may take up to two years to complete and usually contains analysis
and a statement of the probable cause of the accident, if determined.
"The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau reaffirms its
commitment to collaborate fully with the National Transportation Safety Board,
aiming for a thorough and conclusive investigation that will enhance transport
safety in both Nigeria and the United States.
"The Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 crash has brought a
colossal loss to our dear nation Nigeria. Our hearts go out to the Wigwe and
Ogunbanjo families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We extend our
deepest sympathies to them during this difficult time. Updates on the
investigation will be provided as information becomes available."
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