The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, has released its final report on the tragic helicopter crash that killed former Access Holdings GCEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and former NGX Group chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo in February 2024.
The report stated that the crash was caused by the pilot’s decision to continue flying under visual flight rules despite entering instrument meteorological conditions—a move that likely led to spatial disorientation and a loss of control before the helicopter slammed into mountainous terrain near the California-Nevada border.
The six-passenger helicopter, with registration number N130CZ, went down on February 9, 2024. The NTSB’s investigation revealed a troubling pattern of neglect, both from the pilot and the helicopter operator, who failed to address and document multiple safety red flags.
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The report details that before the fatal flight, the pilot reported a malfunctioning radar altimeter—a critical navigation instrument—to the company’s director of maintenance. Despite failed repair attempts, the pilot proceeded to fly. Notably, no one re-assessed the risk or grounded the aircraft.
Investigators further criticized the company for systemic failures, including:
* Inadequate enforcement of safety protocols
* Poor risk analysis documentation
* Departure without ensuring compliance with Part 135 safety regulations
“Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its safety management processes,” the NTSB concluded. “The pilot was aware of the radar altimeter issue but proceeded with the flight regardless. There was no discussion about this malfunction or the weather conditions with flight officials before takeoff.”
The crash, which shocked Nigeria’s financial and business sectors, has raised fresh concerns over safety practices among charter helicopter operators.
Families of the victims, including the Ogunbanjos, have since filed lawsuits against the flight company in the United States.
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