Accident Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report on a helicopter crash that occurred at Opebi area of Lagos State on August 28, 2020.

The accident involved a Bell 206B III helicopter with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQW operated by Quorum Aviation Limited.

The report revealed that the helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness as the pilot’s last medical examination was valid till the 6th of August 2020.

It also said that there was no evidence to show that an application for the exemption provided by the All Operators’ Letter AOL DG020/20 had been submitted to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

The report also revealed that the chopper had no capability to jettison fuel.

Part of the report read, “The helicopter was topped to full tank capacity on August 27th, 2020. After refuelling, 10 minutes of engine run and 20 minutes of test flight were carried out on August,  27th 2020 at Port Harcourt.

“The operational flight plan filed by the pilot indicated an endurance of 3:15 h and an estimated flight time of 2:45 h. The helicopter engine was started at 09:15 h. The helicopter took off at 09:20 h. The helicopter crashed at 12:14 h.

“There was no fuel left in the fuel tanks after the crash. The mast and main rotor blades were found intact during the post-crash inspection.”

Punch