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NTSB Blames Pilot Error, Safety Failures for Helicopter Crash That Killed Herbert Wigwe, Family

The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed the tragic helicopter crash that killed former Access Holdings Group CEO, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others, to the pilot’s spatial disorientation during poor weather conditions.

In its final investigative report released this week, the NTSB also faulted the helicopter operator for “inadequate oversight of its safety management processes,” citing systemic failures in risk assessment, maintenance logging, and regulatory compliance.

The accident occurred on February 9, 2024, near the California-Nevada border. The helicopter, registered as N130CZ, was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) but encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which require more advanced navigation tools and training.

According to the report, the pilot chose to continue the VFR flight into deteriorating weather, ultimately leading to spatial disorientation—a condition where a pilot loses their sense of direction—resulting in loss of control and a fatal crash.

All six individuals aboard were killed, including Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group.

Further findings revealed that a key safety instrument—the helicopter’s radar altimeter—was inoperative prior to the flight. The pilot had previously reported the malfunction via text to the company’s maintenance director. Despite failed repair attempts by a company mechanic, the flight proceeded with the faulty equipment.

“The pilot and director of maintenance were both aware the radar altimeter was not functioning, yet they proceeded with the flight,” the report stated.

In addition, the NTSB found no record of proper communication between the pilot and flight operations personnel regarding the weather or the faulty altimeter before takeoff.

The report concluded that the combination of adverse weather, equipment failure, and poor safety oversight significantly contributed to the fatal outcome.

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