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Herbert Wigwe crash. StartSmart Nigeria reports that the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has officially issued its final investigation report regarding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and three others in February 2024.
According to the NTSB’s findings, the probable cause of the crash was pilot error stemming from spatial disorientation. The pilot continued flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite deteriorating weather conditions that required instrument-based navigation. Herbert Wigwe crash
“The pilot’s decision to continue the VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control,” the report said.
Operator Blamed for Poor Safety Oversight
In addition to the pilot’s decision, the NTSB also criticized the helicopter operator for inadequate safety oversight. The investigation found lapses in flight risk assessment procedures, poor documentation of maintenance issues, and failure to comply with essential aviation regulations prior to departure.
The crash happened on February 9, 2024, near the California-Nevada border. The helicopter, registered as N130CZ, was transporting six people. All occupants were confirmed dead, including former Nigerian Exchange Group chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Herbert Wigwe crash. Spatial Disorientation Caused Crash
Investigators concluded that the pilot lost control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). This ultimately led to a fatal collision with the terrain.
“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.”
Herbert Wigwe crash. Faulty Radar Altimeter Was Known Before Flight
A particularly alarming finding from the report is that a key safety instrument – the radar altimeter – was not functioning during the flight. Even worse, this malfunction was already known before takeoff. Herbert Wigwe crash
The pilot had previously informed the company’s director of maintenance about the radar altimeter issue via text. A mechanic attempted to fix the device but was unsuccessful.
“A company mechanic performed some troubleshooting on the radar altimeter; however, he was unable to rectify the issue, and the radar altimeter remained non-functional.”
Despite being aware of the malfunction, both the pilot and the maintenance director allowed the flight to proceed. The flight departed at 6:22 PM to pick up the charter passengers.
Herbert Wigwe crash. No Discussion of Weather or Equipment Issues Before Final Flight
Even after picking up passengers, communication between the pilot and the company’s flight follower failed to mention either the broken altimeter or the worsening weather conditions.
“The mechanic reported that the pilot and the DOM [Director of Maintenance] were aware that the radar altimeter was not functioning, yet they departed...”
The lack of safety communication contributed to the tragic outcome.
Conclusion
The NTSB report paints a grim picture of preventable errors and oversight failures that led to the crash. From ignored safety warnings to flying under visual rules in unsuitable weather, the crash that claimed Herbert Wigwe’s life was marked by a chain of negligence.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to aviation safety regulations and effective oversight. Herbert Wigwe crash
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