NNPC HELICOPTER IN NEAR MISHAP

An HS 125-400 helicopter belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), yesterday overshot the runway at Osubi Airstrip, Delta state.

Spokesman of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, who confirmed the incident, told Blueprint in Lagos that the helicopter, marked 5N-NOC, was operated by Aero on behalf of NNPC.

“AIB investigators have been deployed to the site for investigation,” he said.

Also confirming the report, the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr. Tumini Green, said in a statement that the aircraft was on a routine operation to Warri when it overshot the runway.

He said there were no casualtiesm adding that the appropriate aviation agencies had been notified and had commenced investigations.

Air transportation in the country has suffered many helicopter accidents and incidents that have claimed many lives, including those of eminent persons.

Recently, on December 15, 2012, an Augusta 109 Naval Helicopter had crashed into the Ogbia creek in the northern part of okoroba community in Nembe local government of Bayelsa state, killing the former governor of Kaduna state, Mr. Ibrahim Yakowa, the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, and some other travellers of the ill-fated craft.

Source: Blueprint