The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has indicted the helicopter company involved in the February 2024 crash that claimed the lives of former Access Holdings Group CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others.
In its final investigative report, the NTSB identified the pilot’s ‘spatial disorientation’ as the primary cause of the crash. The report noted that the pilot continued flying under ‘visual flight rules’ despite deteriorating weather that required instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) protocols, ultimately resulting in loss of control.
The helicopter, registered as N130CZ, crashed near the California-Nevada border on February 9, 2024.
Other victims included Doreen Wigwe, their son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
Beyond the pilot’s actions, the NTSB criticised the helicopter company for its “inadequate oversight” of safety management practices.
Investigators found that the company failed to enforce crucial safety protocols, including pre-flight risk assessments, proper maintenance documentation, and adherence to operational regulations.
One major technical failure cited was the non-functional radar altimeter, a key instrument for safe navigation in poor visibility.
According to the report, the pilot had previously alerted the director of maintenance about the issue via text.
Despite this, the mechanic was unable to fix the fault, and the helicopter still took off with the defective equipment.
The report states:
“The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation while manoeuvring the helicopter in IMC, which led to his loss of helicopter control and the resulting collision with terrain.”
The NTSB’s findings point to systemic lapses in safety enforcement and decision-making, both by the pilot and the helicopter operator.
