The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), along with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has successfully recovered the critical “black box” of a downed helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation.
The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, was transporting eight passengers when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.
The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box” — were retrieved early this morning following a coordinated search and recovery mission.
These devices, which record flight performance data and cockpit communications, are essential to understanding the events leading up to the crash.
According to NSIB, the black box has been secured and will be transported to their data analysis lab for detailed examination.
NSIB investigators will extract and analyze the data to gain insights into the helicopter’s operational and technical conditions before the crash, which may help identify the accident’s cause.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB, highlighted the significance of the black box recovery, stating, “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 determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations.”
Three passengers remain unaccounted for, and NSIB, alongside its partners, continues long-term search efforts.
The investigation remains active, with both local and international teams supporting the mission to recover all missing individuals and deliver answers to their families.
