Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Suspends Certificate For Briston S-76C++ Aircraft

A Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter belonging to Bristow Helicopters went down Wednesday with 11 people on board, causing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) ground the company's aircraft of that type.

The Vanguard reports that three of the people on board suffered from hypothermia after the aircraft went down in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Two others were slightly injured, and the remainder of those on board, including the crew of two, were uninjured in the accident.

The NCAA suspended operation by Bristow Helicopters S-76C++ from further operations, citing successive incidents involving the aircraft off the coast of Lagos. Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman said the agency will conduct a "full audit" of the aircraft.

“These decisions are without prejudice to the investigations being conducted by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). As a matter of fact, it will serve to assist the entire process. The Authority will fully support AIB in the investigation," Usman said.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.ncaa.gov.ng