A possible clue to the fatal crash of a helicopter belonging to Ogendengbe Air Service emerged on Saturday when rescue team members found out that the aircraft ran into a tall tree on the Oke-Obanla hill inside the Osun State Government Reserve in Ikonifin.
The aircraft was flown by a Filipino, Catameo Arnold, and on board was Mrs Josephine Kuteyi, and her Personal Assistant, Mrs Oyebola Okubanjo.
Head of Operation, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Olaniyi Babalola said, “We moved to Ikonifi on Friday night and we combed the hill and the reserve before we discovered the helicopter inside the valley beside the hill at 2am.
Source: http://nigerianbulletin.com
The Accident Investigation Bureau( AIB), yesterday said it has commenced investigations on the helicopter that crashed in Ife Odan , near Ogbomosho , a border town between Oyo and Osun State on Friday night.
All the three passengers died, and their remains have been deposited at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology ( LAUTECH), Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
The minister of aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah – Ogiewmonyi ordered an investigation to establish the cause of the crash in order to prevent a re- occurrence.
Head of public affairs of AIB, the government agency saddled with the task of investigating air disasters, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, explained that the helicopter belonging to OAS Helicopters departed the helipad in Maryland , in Lagos about 9.25 am with two passengers on board and a pilot, but later crashed into Oke Oba Hill in Ikonifin, between Ife Odan and Ogbomosho.
The AIB, he explained is yet to ascertain the cause of the helicopter crash, until investigations are complete.
A statement signed by the AIB spokesman reads in part: "A Eccuriel 350 helicopter marked 5N BKA belonging to OAS Airlines crashed on Friday July 28, 2011 into Oke Oba Hill in Ikonifin, between Ife Odan and Ogbomosho.
“The aircraft departed airline’s helipad in Maryland, Lagos a 9.25am with three passengers on board including two female passengers and a male pilot. All occupants were fatally injured.
“Investigators from the AIB arrived at the site this morning (29th July 2011) and have commenced investigations.
“Meanwhile, the remains of the occupants have been transferred to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo in Osun State.Our thoughts go out to all the families of the victims.
“The public will be updated as investigation continues."
Source: http://www.thenationonlineng.net
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