Crashed Chopper Was Not Airworthy – Report

By Chuks Ekpeneru

An investigation into the air worthiness of  Bell 206-B3 helicopter with registration number 5N-BQW, which crashed on Salvation Road, Opebi, Lagos State, has revealed that it was declared non-airworthy three years ago.

SAHARA REPORTERS investigation discovered that it was declared non-airworthy in 2017 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

A source told SAHARA REPORTERS that “The ill-fated copter was declared non-airworthy in 2017 when it was discovered that most of the equipment on board have expired.

“Then, Quorum Aviation had approached the NCAA for AOC license and it was discovered that the helicopter was faulty. NCAA also accused the management of refusing to maintain the engine of the aircraft.

“How Quorum Aviation was cleared to fly the aircraft after that was what I can’t really say.

“Imagine in 2016, Omni-Blue Aviation Services borrowed this crashed Bell 206-3 helicopter to obtain AOC from NCAA. A year after, Quorum Aviation applied for AOC with same helicopter,” he said

The helicopter crashed with three persons onboard.

While two crew members died on the spot, the third person earlier rescued and taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, later died.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us 

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG