Police deny helicopter crash as AIB commences investigation into mishap

The Nigeria Police say its Helicopter, Bell 429 5N-MDA, that flew from Abuja to Bauchi on Tuesday,  was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.

According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, the aircraft did not crash as being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever.

Solacebase had reported that the ,  Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) had revealed  that a helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Police Force crashed in Bauchi on Wednesday, injuring six persons.

The Bureau said it was informed of the accident by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and an inquiry is already underway.

The Bureau said it is investigating the accident

“On 26th January, 2022, Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria was notified by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) about an accident involving a Bell 429 helicopter with Registration Marks 5N-MDA owned and operated by Nigerian Police Force (NPF),” the statement said.

The statement said all six (6) on board including the pilot and co-pilot are in good condition.

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‘’Similarly, the aircraft, which was flown by one of the best Police Pilots, was professionally safe-landed with minor damage on the rear rotor as a result of obstacle at the landing spot. The incident occurred around 7:30PM (local time),’’ the statement said.

‘’The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap. He further noted that the Nigeria Police Air-wing – with a fleet of​ one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and thirteen (13) helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.’’