Pilot Of Ill-fated Helicopter Has Over 20 Years Flying Experience
By Abimbola Abdullah
The pilot of the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76c helicopter with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, that crashed in Bonny, Rivers state, has been identified as Capt. Yakubu Dukas, with more than 20 years flying experience.
Recall that the helicopter, hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) carrying eight individuals – six passengers and two crew members – went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Abednego Galadima, in a statement said the deceased pilot was also the vice president of the association.
He said: “We have received with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash off shore today 24th October, 2024 . More saddening is that the captain on board, Capt Yakubu Dukas, is a seasoned helicopter pilot with more than 20 years flying experience and until this unfortunate accident, was the Vice President of our great union.
“We have always maintained that the operating conditions in the aviation industry must always be optimal for all professionals for the safety of all knowing that there is no parking space up there.”
“We call on the government and all stakeholders, to always ensure that in all their operations, they target zero for accidents because of the catastrophic nature of air crashes.
“We also call on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence. Our prayers are with all families whose beloved ones were on board.”
