The Accident Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report of an investigation into the helicopter crash involving Agusta Westland W 139 Caverton Helicopters which flew Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Kabba in Kogi State.
In the report released on Wednesday, the AIB said the crew lost visual generated when landing on a sandy area) – that enveloped the helicopter.
According to the agency, the helicopter experienced a hard landing and consequently rolled over.
While the AIB says the investigation into the crash is still ongoing, the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru, gave two safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,NCAA and the operator, Caverton Helicopters Limited.
Olateru asked the NCAA to issue an advisory circular to helicopter operators on the effects of brown out and how to mitigate its effects.
Secondly, he asked Caverton Helicopters to carry out proper risk analysis and assessment before operating flights into unapproved landing pad.