Friends and colleagues of Captain Yakubu Dukas, the pilot of a helicopter that tragically crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have taken to social media to express their grief over his passing. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, when the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, went down into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
The helicopter, carrying eight individuals, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the NUIMANTAN oil rig when it disappeared from radar. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported that five bodies have been recovered from the crash site so far.
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) confirmed the unfortunate news in a statement issued by its president, Abednego Galadima. The association expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting Captain Dukas's extensive experience as a seasoned helicopter pilot with over 20 years in the field. Until his untimely death, he served as the Vice President of NAAPE.
"The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) received, with great sadness, the news of the helicopter crash offshore today," the statement read. "Even more saddening is that the captain on board, Captain Yakubu Dukas, was a respected leader within our community."
As the investigation continues, tributes continue to pour in for Captain Dukas, reflecting the profound impact he had on those around him and the aviation industry as a whole.