The police on Thursday denied that its helicopter, Bell 429 5NMDA, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Wednesday crashed at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.
It also said none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever.
But a statement by Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, the GeneralManager, Public Affairs, Accident Investigation Bureau -Nigeria (AIB-N), said that the bureau was notified of the police helicopter accident on Thursday by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
AIB-N noted that the accident occurred on Wednesday about 7:30pm at Bauchi airport, saying at least six persons were injured in the crash.
According to a statement by CP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, the helicopter 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 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 7:30p.m (local time)”, the statement noted.
It said the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has commended the Police Air- Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap.
The statement further noted that the Nigeria Police Air- Wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and thirteen helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in 1972.
