The Nigeria Police Force has debunked reports that its helicopter, Bell 429 5N-MDA, that flew from Abuja on Wednesday crashed in Bauchi.
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) had described the incident as an “accident”, adding that the six occupants were only injured.
However, a statement by the Force posted on social media on Thursday said the helicopter was involved in “controlled safe landing” at Bauchi airport. It also stated that none of the occupants was injured.
“The Nigeria Police Helicopter, Bell 429 5N-MDA, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi,” the statement read.
“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) on board 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 7:30PM (local time).”
The inspector-general of police Usman Baba, according to the statement, commended the police air-wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air mishap.
He further noted that the police air-wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and 13 helicopters — has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.
