The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has attributed the crash landing of an Agusta Westland W 139 aircraft operated by Caverton Helicopters conveying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to a brown out generated during its landing in a dry dusty environment.
Brown out in aviation parlance means a condition generated during landing in a sandy, dusty environment.
The helicopter was conveying Osinbajo and his entourage to Kabba in Kogi State a fortnight ago when the incident occurred.
The AIB Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru, who made the disclosure at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday noted that Caverton ought to have carried out risk assessment test at the Kaaba stadium before the flight.
Olateru said the agency has issued two safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the operator; Caverton Helicopters Limited.
He said NCAA should issue advisory circular to helicopter operators on the effects of brown out and how to mitigate its effects.
The second safety recommendation, Olateru said is for Caverton Helicopters to carry out proper risk analysis and assessment before operating flights into unapproved landing pad.
He stated that investigation is ongoing and that the final report on the accident will be released by the agency in coming months.