Transport

Preliminary Report: No fuel left in Quorum helicopter after crash, says AIB

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has revealed that the Bell 206B III Helicopter operated by Quorum Aviation Limited has no fuel left in the tanks after the crashed that occurred on Aug. 28 at Opebi, Lagos

The bureau’s Commissioner, Mr Akin Olateru, made this known in a preliminary report that was released to newsmen in Lagos on Monday.

The accident involving a Bell 206B III Helicopter with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQW operated by Quorum Aviation Limited (QAL) which occurred at Opebi Area, Lagos on Aug. 28

The Quorum Helicopter crashed into the roof of a building and a wall fence impacting two vehicles parked while the three lives were lost in the crashed.

Olateru said there was no evidence that the pilot had applied for exemption provided by the NCAA’s All Operators’ Letter AOL DG020/20 neither was there evidence of an application for the exemption provided by the AOL DG018/20 for proficiency check.

“On Aug. 27, a Bell 206B III helicopter operated by Quorum Aviation Limited, was topped up with 247 litres of fuel to full tank capacity on ground Port Harcourt Military airport (DNPM).

“The technical logbook entry revealed that there was an engine run for 10 minutes and a test flight of 20 minutes in preparation for a positioning flight the next day.

“The helicopter was fitted with a range-extender fuel system. No fuel jettisoning capability on this helicopter.

“The helicopter has an endurance of 3:24h. The operational flight plan filed by the pilot indicated an endurance of 3:15h and an estimated flight time of 2:45h. The helicopter engine was started at 09:15h. The helicopter took off at 09:20h.

“The helicopter crashed at 12:14h.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.”

Olateru said on the aircraft, the preliminary report said the helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness as the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers’ License Validity was till Feb. 14, 2022.

He said the Aircraft Ratings was Category A&C Agusta/Bell 206, Bell 212, Sikorsky  S76, Eurocopter EC 155 helicopters  while the Certificate of Airworthiness of the chopper was  Valid till Oct. 29, 2020.

On the crew however, Olateru said the Pilot’s last medical examination was valid till Aug. 29, 2020.

He said 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 the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

According to him, the Pilot’s last Proficiency Check was valid till Aug. 24, 2020.

Olateru said there was no evidence to show that an application for the exemption provided by the AOL DG018/20 had been submitted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

He said the report also indicated several communications between 5N-BQW and Lagos Tower until Tower raised 5N-BQW on radio and there was no response.

Related posts

Shippers association wants seaports reorganised as Nigeria clocks 61

Shile GIWA

FAAN: ATSSSAN seeks review of aviation law

By Meletus EZE

Shippers’ move to improve shipping activities in Onne, Warri ports

Abisola THOMPSON

NCAA moves to address difficulties on travel portal

Our Reporter

German cabin crew union announces two-day strike at Lufthansa

By Shile GIWA

NPA expects 21 ships with petroleum products, others at Lagos ports

Our Reporter