What Really Happened In The Skies? NSIB Prepares To Reveal Helicopter Crash Truth

The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has disclosed that the final report on the helicopter crash that occurred in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on October 24, 2024, will be made public before the end of 2025.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Newsnight program on Monday, Badeh confirmed that the investigation has reached its concluding phase.

“We’ve gotten to the bottom of it. The final report should be out sometime this year, but we pretty much have an idea of what happened,” he stated.

The ill-fated helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was under contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). It had departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig when it crashed over the Port Harcourt waterways.

Tragically, the accident resulted in the deaths of several passengers. Eight individuals were on board, comprising two crew members and six passengers. Only five bodies were recovered in the aftermath.

As the final report’s release draws near, bereaved families continue to await closure, hoping for full details and accountability regarding the tragic incident.