The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has published a preliminary report released on the crash involving the helicopter operated by Quorum Aviation Limited.
In August, a Bell 206 B3 helicopter owned by Quorum Aviation Services had crashed into a building in Opebi, killing three people.
The report stated that the chopper was refuelled to full capacity on August 27, a day before the crash.
After refuelling, 10 minutes of engine run and 20 minutes of test flight were also said to have been conducted on the helicopter in Port Harcourt.
“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 3:15 h and an estimated flight time of 2:45h,” the report read.
“The helicopter engine started at 09:15h, took off at 09:20 h, and crashed at 12:14h.
“Post occurrence examination revealed that the fuel tanks were empty. The mast and main rotor blades were found intact during the post-crash inspection.”
According to the report, the helicopter tanks were found empty after the crash.
The report stated that although the helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness but pilot’s last medical examination was valid until August 6, 2020.
It also 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.
“The helicopter was not equipped with a flight data recorder or a cockpit voice recorder. Neither was required by the relevant aviation regulations but equipped with a Garmic GNC Global Positioning System.
“The operational flight plan filed by the pilot indicated an endurance of 3:15 h and an estimated flight time of 2:45 h. The helicopter engine was started at 09:15 h. The helicopter took off at 09:20 h. The helicopter crashed at 12:14 h.
“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,” the report read.
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