The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the crash of its MI-35P helicopter at Port Harcourt today Friday, December 1, 2023.
The Russian-made Mi-35P helicopters features a number of novelties and offers improved targeting and flight/navigation suite including the OPS-24N-1L, PrVK24-2 weapons control computer and KNEI-24E-1 navigation/display system.
A statement by NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said that “the unfortunate incident occurred at about 7.45am shortly after the aircraft took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
“Fortunately, the entire crew of 5 survived the crash with very minor injuries and are currently being attended to at NAF Medical Centre Port Harcourt.
“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is currently enroute Port Harcourt to access the situation for himself, see to the wellbeing of the crew and give further directives.
“Incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous tasks of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities.”