A helicopter has crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, with several people feared dead.

Reports say the crash happened in Ebute Larada, a coastal community, on Monday.

Meanwhile, MyNigeria examines the 14 helicopter crashes Nigeria has experienced since 1990.


February 24, 1990 – Eket, Akwa Ibom State

A British Helicopter crashed, killing all 9 people on board.

March 14, 2002 – Kabong, Jos

A Joint Task Force helicopter crashed, killing all on board, including four senior police officers.

July 26, 2004 – Near SEDCO Energy Rig Platform (Escravos/Atlantic Ocean area, Delta State)

Pan African Airlines Bell 412EP (5N-BDZ) on a medical evacuation flight crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff in poor visibility/fog. All 4 on board died. Cause not fully determined in the final report.

November 10, 2006 – Near Osubi/Delta Steel Company area, Delta State

Odengene Air Shuttle (OAS) AS 350 B2 (5N-BHU) crashed while en route from Lagos. Two people died; factors included descent without clear visual references and the pilot not being instrument-rated.

August 2/3, 2007 – Inside ExxonMobil facility, Port Harcourt

Bristow Helicopters Bell 412 EP (related reports reference 5N-BIQ) crashed at the facility.

March 14, 2012 – Jos area

A police helicopter carrying the newly promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police Haruna John and other senior officers crashed.

October 27, 2012 – Chevron Okan Production Platform, Escravos offshore, Delta State

Pan African Airlines Bell 206 L4 (5N-BFF) experienced main fuel pump failure, flame-out, and ditched near the platform. All 4 on board were rescued (no fatalities); the aircraft was destroyed.

December 15, 2012 – Okoroba community, Nembe LGA, Bayelsa State

Nigerian Navy Agusta 109E helicopter crashed in a forest while transporting VIPs (including Kaduna Governor Patrick Yakowa and former NSA Andrew Azazi) from a burial. Six people died (including the two high-profile passengers); reports cited engine issues after multiple shuttle flights.

August 12, 2015 – Oworonshoki Lagoon, Lagos

Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-76C+ (5N-BGD) from an offshore rig (SEDCO Express) to Murtala Muhammed Airport crashed into the lagoon due to separation of a cyclic control system component (Forward Servo Clevis Rod Assembly). 6 of 12 on board died (including both pilots); 6 survived with serious injuries. Rescue by local fishermen was prompt.

February 2, 2019 – Football pitch, Kabba, Kogi State

Caverton Helicopters AgustaWestland AW139 (5N-CML) carrying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and others (12 total) experienced a brownout (dust/loss of visual references) during hover-to-land, leading to a hard landing and rollover. Aircraft destroyed; all escaped without injury. Causal factors included inappropriate technique and inadequate site assessment.

August 28, 2020 – Salvation Road, Opebi, Lagos

Quorum Aviation Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III (5N-BQW) from Port Harcourt to Lagos crashed in a residential area due to fuel exhaustion at low altitude/speed and loss of control. All 3 on board (pilots and engineer) died. The operator had not obtained proper approval.

January 26, 2022 – Near Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Bauchi

Nigeria Police Air Wing Bell 429 (5N-MDA) accident (NSIB reports available; details focus on the occurrence as an accident).

August 1, 2023 – Oba Akran area, Ikeja, Lagos

A helicopter crashed; four people narrowly escaped.

October 24, 2024 – Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima / FPSO Nuim Antan, off Port Harcourt/Rivers/Cross River area

Eastwind Aviation Sikorsky S-76C+ (5N-BQG), chartered for NNPC oil workers, ditched into the sea en route from Port Harcourt NAF base. All 8 on board (6 passengers, 2 crew) died; 5 bodies recovered. Preliminary findings noted missing required Flight Data Recorder (FDR), deferred radio altimeter, non-standard phraseology, weather challenges, and failure to maintain control. Wreckage found at ~42 m depth.

ASA