The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others was caused by pilot error linked to spatial disorientation during adverse weather conditions.
In its final report released on Wednesday, the NTSB cited the pilot’s decision to continue operating under visual flight rules (VFR) despite entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which require different flight protocols. The agency stated that the loss of control due to spatial disorientation ultimately led to the tragic February 9, 2024, crash near the California-Nevada border.
The ill-fated helicopter, a Eurocopter EC130 registered as N130CZ, went down with six people on board. In addition to Wigwe, the victims included his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
Beyond pilot error, the NTSB also faulted the operator of the aircraft, identifying a pattern of lapses in safety oversight. The report criticized the company for failing to ensure pilots completed pre-flight risk assessments, properly documented mechanical issues, and adhered to regulatory safety protocols.
Crucially, the investigation revealed that a key flight instrument—the radar altimeter—was non-functional at the time of the crash. Although the pilot had previously alerted maintenance about the issue, the problem was unresolved and not properly communicated or addressed before departure.
“The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation while manoeuvring the helicopter in IMC, which led to loss of control and collision with terrain,” the report stated.
Internal communications reviewed by investigators showed that despite knowledge of the faulty radar altimeter, both the pilot and the director of maintenance proceeded with the flight to pick up passengers without addressing the problem or reassessing the weather conditions.
The findings raise serious concerns about the company’s flight safety culture and decision-making processes, contributing to the fatal incident that shocked both Nigeria and the global financial community.
