Nigerian Air Force King Air-350 Accident: Investigation Bureau Submits Interim Report
L-R: Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao received the report from the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Accident Investigative Bureau (AIB), Engr Akin Olateru FNSE, on September 15, 2021.
Following the unfortunate incident involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) King Air -350 aircraft at the vicinity of Kaduna Civil Airport on 21 May 2021, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao directed that a joint investigative body consisting of experienced NAF safety officers and the Accident Investigative Bureau (AIB) be constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the air crash.
After about three months of the painstaking joint investigation, the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Engr Akin Olateru FNSE, on September 15, 2021 submitted an interim report on the sad incident to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Amao, at his office at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
The submitted report is organized into three sections namely; the information obtained in the course of the investigation; analysis of data collected in view of the Board’s Terms of Reference; and the conclusion, which covers the initial findings and immediate recommendations.
It should be noted that at this interim stage, a total of 27 initial findings and eight immediate safety recommendations were made for the convening authority as well as other aviation-related agencies for immediate implementation.
It is expected that the final report will contain the flight data recorder readout, the reviewed operator’s and service provider’s standard operating procedures as well as other detailed analyses.
While receiving the report, the CAS reiterated the main essence of activating the ‘joint investigative’ clause contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the NAF and the AIB on 1 July 2020.
According to him, successful collaboration is a clear indication of the potency of collaboration in aircraft accident investigation, which must be encouraged.
Air Marshal Amao also noted that such collaborative efforts make accident investigations more transparent and open while also stating that the outcome of the investigation is not necessarily aimed at punitive measures but essentially at generally improving safety in the aviation industry.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Engr Akin Olateru stated that the joint investigation with the NAF was its first direct involvement in military air crash investigation in Nigeria and second investigation outside its mandate having also assisted Sao Tome and Principe in the past.
He also stated that copies of the report, with the endorsement of the CAS, will also be submitted to the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that the recommendations addressed to aviation agencies are implemented.
The Commissioner also stated that although the accident involved a military aircraft and crew, it happened at a civil airport adding that the involvement of AIB in the investigation by the Nigerian Air Force would help in closing the gaps on the civil aviation side.
In another development, The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation Hadarin Daji has been charged to remain focused and vigilant as they make concerted efforts towards ridding the entire North West of bandits and other criminal elements.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao stated this on September 14, 2021, while on an operational tour of Air Component under Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in Zamfara State.
According to the CAS, the current onslaught against bandits and their activities has continued to yield the expected outcome hence the need to remain focused disciplined and extra- vigilant until the security situation improves.
“This is not the time for you to be complacent or assume that we have overcome the enemy. Rather times like this calls for utmost discipline, alertness and extra focus on the task ahead,” he added.
Air Marshal Amao went on to commend them for their gallantry, dedication to duty and resolve towards ensuring that the fight against banditry in the Northwest is brought to a conclusive end.
Earlier, the Joint Task Force Commander of OPHD who also doubles as the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General UU Bassey, briefed the CAS on ongoing operations in Zamfara State and the entire North Western area.
He informed the CAS that the operations have continued to yield the requisite results with bandits hideouts being destroyed and decimated.
Maj Gen Bassey also thanked the CAS for ensuring that the Air Component as well as the NAF Special Forces are well trained and equipped for deployment to operational areas in the Region.
According to Maj Gen Bassey, the renewed vigour exhibited by both Air and ground troops will no doubt be instrumental towards bringing the security situation in Zamfara State and environs to an end.
The CAS also took time to visit wounded airmen at the Federal Medical Centre and 207 Quick Response Group, Gusau where he assured them of NAF’s commitment towards their medical attention and complete recovery.
It is important to note that the NAF Special Forces, as well as its air element, have continued to be key enablers and deciders in the fight against banditry in the North West. Indeed, in the last 2 months, several bandits have been neutralised through coordinated efforts between the air component, NAF Special Forces and other security elements in the theatre of operations.
The joint operations, which is in their critical moments, has so far seen the dislodging of key bandits’ leaders and their followers as well as the destruction of their strongholds.
