AIB explains why VP Yemi Osinbajo’s chopper crashed in Kabba

ABUJA, Nigeria – Several months after, the helicopter conveying Vice-President of Nigeria, Professor, Yemi Osinbajo  to Kabba, Kogi State crashed during the reelection campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari,  the Accident and Investigation Bureau (AIB) has attributed the crash to human error.

According to AIB Commissioner Akin Olateru, the other reasons the helicopter crashed is related to loss of visual contact with the ground,  external surroundings, inappropriate landing techniques and limited planning before the commencement of the flight by the crew.

The Vice President came out of the crash unhurt and continued with the campaign despite what had happened.

Osinbajo was one of the 12 persons aboard the Caverton Helicopter marked 5N-CML when it crashed at the Kabba Stadium February 2 , 2019.

The Accident and Investigation Bureau (AIB) released details of the crash alongside three others that happened in the country between 2014 and 2019 in Abuja.

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AIB Commissioner Akin Olateru, who gave accounts of the Kabba helicopter, said the crew lost visual contact with the ground and external surroundings while trying to land at the stadium.

He also faulted the crew for not understanding appropriate landing techniques and not planning thoroughly before the commencement of the flight.

The commissioner said the AIB had recommended that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) involved the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) Unit in the coordination and preparation of all “Executive VIP” flights.

 “The flight crew stated that they sighted the intended landing area as a result of the cloud of residual dust generated by the downwash of a Police helicopter.

“After sighting the football field, the flight crew approached with the speed of 20feet to about a 100feet, and entered a hover to land. At about 50feet above ground level, a brownout set in. The flight crew lost visual contact with the ground and external surroundings”, he said.