Crashed military helicopter: How pilot saw it coming

Pilot of the ill-fated Nigeria Airforce (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i reportedly complained of malfunctioning of the engine immediately it took off on Sunday.

The control tower revealed that the late Pilot who died alongside other crew members told them about the problems with the engine.

CAPITAL POST, learnt that the aircraft was detailed by the Airforce authority to rescue the abducted Kagara school students and took off from Abuja for Minna for the assignment when the incident happened.

It was said to have approaching Bassa Local Government Area of Niger State when the pilot was said to have informed the control tower that he had experienced an engine failure, but was told by the control tower to navigate back to Abuja which the officials said was closer.

However, luck ran out on the crew members when the aircraft crash-landed at the Abuja Airport.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the crash of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Air Force in a statement confirmed the death of all the seven passengers on board the aircraft.

The statement reads, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”