Investigations Continue In PH Plane Mishap

A team of experts from the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) is investigating the Bristol Helicopter mishap last Thursday at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

The Regional Airport Manager, South-South/South-East, Mr Henry Anyanwu disclosed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt while confirming the incident.

According to Mr Anyanwu, the cause of the accident cannot be ascertained until the conclusion of investigation by the bureau.

In his words, “I cannot give you details until their report is out, then we can brief the press.”

It would be recalled that an aircraft belonging to Bristol Helicopter last Thursday veered off the runway of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa after landing.

The helicopter with registration No. 5U-BMM, Aircraft tip C560X landed at the airport at about 8.00pm with six persons on board, four passengers and two crew members comprising the pilot and the co-pilot.

Although the cause of the incident was not immediately known, The Tide learnt that the aircraft had some damage when it landed as the two back tyres pulled causing the pilot to lose control.

According to the source, the incident which took place between the airports control tower and the fire service station attracted a rescue team including fire fighting personnel, who applied foam on the body of the aircraft to prevent any fire outbreak.

It was said that no one was seriously hurt but one of the passengers had a bruise on his knee while another sustained a minor injury on the finger.

All the persons on board were immediately rushed to the Aviation Staff Clinic where they received First Aid treatment and later conveyed to an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.

Shedie Okpara