No fatalities

1967-04-04: Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer (5N-ABQ) — Bristow Helicopters — Ughelli, Nigeria

Ughelli, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 4, 1967, a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer (registration 5N-ABQ) operated by Bristow Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Ughelli, Nigeria during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781240132Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight in Ughelli, Delta, crashed after an instructor shut down an engine for an asymmetric descent simulation but could not feather the propeller, leading to loss of speed and altitude, tree strike, and fire. Both pilots evacuated, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

A local training mission in Ughelli, Delta, ended in a crash when the instructor intentionally shut down one engine to simulate an asymmetric descent. The aircraft was at an altitude of 600 feet during approach. The instructor was unable to feather the propeller of the shut-down engine, resulting in high drag. The airplane subsequently lost speed and height, struck tree tops, and crashed in flames in a wooded area. Both pilots were able to evacuate the aircraft, which was destroyed.

Sequence of Events

During the approach phase at 600 feet, the instructor voluntarily shutdown one engine as part of a training exercise to simulate an asymmetric descent. However, the propeller could not be feathered. The resulting drag caused a significant loss of airspeed and altitude. The aircraft descended into a wooded area, contacting tree tops before impacting the ground and catching fire.

Aftermath

Both pilots successfully evacuated the burning wreckage. The airplane was completely destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire. The accident occurred in a remote wooded area near Ughelli, Delta. No further details regarding the aircraft type or identification were provided.