The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has received the initial report from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the helicopter crash that resulted in the tragic death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Bank, and five others.
The incident occurred on February 9, involving an Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 in Halloran Springs, California. Initial findings suggest the helicopter caught fire before the crash due to adverse weather conditions.
According to NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji, the preliminary report outlines crucial details surrounding the incident. The helicopter departed from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, heading to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada via Palm Springs International Airport.
Eyewitnesses reported adverse weather conditions, including rain and snow, during the flight. Reports from law enforcement and witnesses mentioned observing a “fireball” in the area, leading to calls to emergency services. The wreckage was found in the mountainous desert terrain near Halloran Springs.
Analysis of the accident site revealed scattered debris along a specific trajectory, with the helicopter’s fuselage fragmented and major components destroyed. Data analysis, including ADS-B data, operator reports, and eyewitness accounts, is being utilized to reconstruct the flight path and sequence of events leading to the accident.
NSIB remains committed to collaborating with NTSB for a comprehensive understanding of the accident’s circumstances. Director-General Capt. Alex Badeh expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by NTSB and emphasized ongoing collaboration with relevant authorities to gather additional evidence and information.
