Aviation
No Hope Of Survivors From Australian Army Helicopter Crash
Hopes have dimmed that survivours would be found from an army helicopter which crashed into the waters during a war games over the weekend in Australia.
This was disclosed by Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles in a statement on Monday.
According to him, efforts were going on optimistically until it showed “significant wreckage” from the aircraft, which signified that the little hope of finding the four crew members alive evaporated.
It was gathered hat the chopper was participating in the large-scale Talisman Sabre exercise.
Biztellers reports that the war games witness participation of about 30,000 military personnel from many countries, including Australia and the United States of America (USA).
The chopper, during a nighttime operation, crashed into the water near the Whitsunday Islands.
According to Marles, “There was a catastrophic impact, and that forms part of why we are now transferring this from an activity of search and rescue to one of recovery.”
The recovery operations now involves the Army of at least three nations, reported to have joined police in looking for the crew of the MRH-90 Taipan, which went down late Friday night in subtropical waters off the northeast coast of Australia.
“The loss of these four men is as significant and meaningful as the loss of anyone who has worn our nation’s uniform,” Marles added.
The focus has also shifted to the families of the affected crew members, for whom Marles had expressed “deeply sorry” for.
“Amidst the inadequacy of these words, I want them to know they stand in the warm embrace of the entire nation,” Marles said.
Following the ugly incident, the Taipen helicopters would no longer fly until the real cause of the accident has been identified and satisfactorily resolved.
The Defence Minister, pointed out that Australia’s fleet of more than 40 Taipan helicopters — which were due to be retired at the end of 2024 — will be grounded until investigators have a better idea of what caused the crash.
Marles said, “They won’t fly again until we understand what has happened and we have modified or acted accordingly.”
It was gathered that Australian officials had complained about the European-made Taipans, citing difficulties with maintenance and getting spare parts.
The fleet was grounded for a month earlier this year after one of the helicopters suffered engine failure during a nighttime training exercise, which compelled the crew to ditch into the ocean.
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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