Caverton Helicopter Nigeria Limited has restated its commitment to the provision of safe and reliable air transport service in Nigeria.
Managing Director of the airline, Captain Josiah Choms stated this at the weekend following a preliminary report by the Accident and Investigation Bureau (AIB) linking the crash of the Caverton Augustawestland AW139 Helicopters in Kabba, Kogi State a fortnight ago to visibility problems occasioned by a ‘brownout’ incident.
Brownout in helicopter operations is an in-flight visibility restriction caused by dust or sand in which the flight crew loses visual contact with nearby objects.
Said the AIB report, “during the landing, at about 50 feet to touchdown, a heavy brownout enveloped the Caverton helicopter and the crew lost visual contact with the ground. The helicopter touch down hard on the right main landing gear and rolled over to the right and was substantially damaged,”
The chopper was conveying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his entourage to a political rally in Kogi State. All occupants of the aircraft however came out unhurt.
The AIB report had recommended that Caverton Helicopters should ensure that its flight operations are carried out in accordance with approved operations manual and that proper site survey and safety risk analysis are done before dispatching any helicopter to an unapproved landing pad.
“The management of Caverton Helicopter wishes to thank the public and its clients for your prayers and overwhelming support. We will continue to adhere strictly to safety procedures as required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act and all other relevant local and international regulations across all our operations,” said the airline’s Managing Director, Capt. Josiah Choms.