The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the tragic helicopter crash that led to Herbert Wigwe’s death.
Recall that Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and business magnate Abimbola Ogunbanjo, among others, passed away in the tragic helicopter crash.
The incident occurred on February 9, 2024, near the Nevada-California border.
Giving a comprehensive detail of the incident, the NTSB attributed Wigwe’s death to a combination of pilot error and inadequate oversight by the helicopter operator, Orbic Air LLC.
The NTSB report stated that the pilot’s decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules (VFR) despite encountering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) led to spatial disorientation, causing the pilot to lose control of the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4.
The report also noted that witnesses observed challenging weather conditions, including rain and a mix of snow, which significantly reduced visibility.
This critical misjudgment, compounded by the pilot’s inability to navigate effectively, was identified as the probable cause of the crash.
Part of the report reads: “Before the Part 135 charter flight, there was no record that the pilot or safety pilot obtained an official weather briefing. It’s unclear what weather information, if any, they reviewed through apps like ForeFlight. The pilot completed a flight risk analysis form showing a low-risk score under company standards.
“The helicopter departed at night under visual flight rules, relying on freeway and vehicle lights for orientation. As the flight progressed, deteriorating weather—including low ceilings and reduced visibility—likely led the pilot to fly lower and slower. The helicopter deviated from its route, possibly in response to worsening conditions.
“Two minutes before the crash, the helicopter increased speed and altitude, possibly indicating an attempt to recover from entering poor visibility. It then entered a right turn and a rapid descent, ultimately crashing in hilly terrain. Witnesses saw a fireball and reported rain and snow at the time.
“Adverse weather also hindered rescue efforts. The wreckage was found over an hour later, with no survivors.”
Recall that the death of Wigwe, a titan in Nigeria’s banking sector, sent shockwaves across Africa.
Under his leadership, Access Bank grew into one of the continent’s largest financial institutions, with a vision to dominate the African market. Wigwe’s death, alongside his family and Ogunbanjo, a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, was described as a “terrible blow” to Nigeria’s economy by many.
