has crashed in Borno State in the afternoon of July 21,
2014, Monday, during an alleged training mission.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) made this information
available though a press release by its spokesperson, Maj.
Gen. Chris Olukolade, in which the number of lost lives at
first was not mentioned.
According to follow up information, published via
SaharaReporters later, two NAF officers, a pilot and a
technician were killed in the crash. The second pilot of three-
man crew was "recovered alive". The statement gave no
details further details on his condition.
On July 22, a source of Linda Ikeji forwarded her some
photos of the deceased pilot, Flight Lieutenant Onyeka
Nwakile.
Deceased Flight Lieutenant Onyeka Nwakile. Photo credit –
Linda Ikeji
The officer was one of the two people who died on board
the crashed Mi-35.
The DHQ also informed that the most probable reason of
the crash was a technical fault. The statement named the
location of the incident, i.e. South of Bama.
Mi-35 gunship of the Nigerian Air Force. Photo credit –
theaviationist.com
Maj. Gen. Olukolade promised the proper investigation of
this accident and emphasised that the loss of the aircraft
was not connected with hostile actions by Boko Haram
insurgents.
In November 2012 Air Marshal Alexander Sabundu Badeh
confirmed purchase of 9 Mi-35 helicopters from Russia "to
strengthen air surveillance".
In April 2014 the DHQ indicated its willingness to procure
six additional helicopters of this type.
The Mi-35 is primarily designed for attack and military
transport missions. It delivers superior flight performance
and manoeuvrability as compared to its predecessors.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
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