by Rachel Ogbu

Human error has been cited as a probable reason behind the Nigerian Navy Augusta helicopter crash, in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, on December 15, 2012 that killed Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa; a former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, and three others.

The Accident Investigation Board established by the Nigerian Air Force on the demand of the Navy said the problem might also have been a material failure too.

On Thursday, the Nigeria Navy Director of Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, said further investigations to decide the actual cause of the crash would be carried out by the manufacturers of the engine of the aircraft. He however ruled out the Accident Investigation Board constituted by the Nigerian Air Force on the demand of the Navy

Describing how the investigation to find out the real cause of the accident would involve opening the engine of the aircraft.

According to reports; Aliyu stated that experts in aviation and the manufacturers of the aircraft were the only units allowed to investigate the crash.

The Navy statement stated:

“The investigation which was conducted by aviation experts in collaboration with the manufacturers – Agusta Westland has stated that the cause of the crash could either be human error or material failure or a combination of both.

“However, to determine the actual cause of the crash, there would be the need to tear down the engine of the helicopter in order to carry out detailed forensic analysis.

“This aspect of the investigation will be carried out by Turbomeca, the manufacturers of the engine.

“It is important to emphasize that an independent police report has equally ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the crash.”