Recall the Accident Investigation Bureau, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Tunji Oketunbi on 27th January 2022, reporting a crash of a Bell 429 helicopter with Registration Marks 5N-MDA which took place on 26th January 2022 belonging to the Nigeria Police Force. The NPF in a statement by its spokesperson, Frank Mba has debunked the report, claiming that it safe landed in Bauchi.
The statement titled, 'Police helicopter in controlled safe-landing in Bauchi... Not crashed as reported, none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever." Contradicting the claim of AIB's, the police stated the helicopter landed safely and commended the professionalism of the crew.
The statement read, “Helicopter, Bell 429 5N-MDA, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Tuesday, February 26, 2022, was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.
“The aircraft did not crash as being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever. All six (6) onboard including the pilot and co-pilot are in good condition.
“Similarly, the aircraft, which was flown by one of the best Police Pilots, was professionally safe-landed with minor damage on the rear rotor as a result of obstacle at the landing spot. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM (local time).
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap.
“He further noted that the Nigeria Police Air-wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet, and thirteen (13) helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.”
