The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that the helicopter crash which killed Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and three others, was caused by pilot error due to spatial disorientation, and compounded by safety oversight failures by the operating company.
Final Report Points to Visual Flight in Poor Weather
In its final report released on Wednesday, the NTSB stated that the pilot flew under visual flight rules (VFR) into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) — a scenario requiring specific navigational instruments and protocols.
The agency said the probable cause of the accident was “the pilot’s decision to continue VFR into IMC, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control.”
Crash Claimed Six Lives, Including Prominent Nigerian Executives
The fatal crash occurred on February 9, 2024, near the California-Nevada border. All six people on board were killed, including:
- Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Holdings
- Doreen Wigwe, his wife
- Chizi Wigwe, their son
- Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group
- And two crew members.
Company Accused of Inadequate Safety Management
Beyond pilot error, the NTSB held the helicopter company responsible for failing to ensure proper risk assessment, maintenance documentation, and pre-flight safety procedures.
Investigators found that the company had inadequate oversight of its safety management systems and allowed the flight to proceed despite unresolved mechanical issues.
Critical Instrument Was Faulty Before Takeoff
A major finding in the report was that the helicopter’s radar altimeter — a critical device used to measure altitude above ground — was non-functional during the fatal flight.
The pilot had previously messaged the company’s maintenance director about the issue, and a mechanic attempted repairs without success. Despite knowing the instrument remained faulty, the pilot and director of maintenance authorized takeoff.
No Weather or Equipment Status Discussed Before Fatal Flight
The NTSB revealed that after picking up the charter passengers, the pilot and the flight follower exchanged messages but failed to discuss weather conditions or the unresolved altimeter issue — a lapse that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.