The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has received a preliminary report regarding the fatal accident involving an Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 that claimed the life of Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings Group.
According to the NSIB, the accident occurred on February 9, 2024, near Halloran Springs, California, United States. Alongside Herbert Wigwe, the passengers included his wife Doreen, son Chizi, and former chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, along with two pilots.
The NSIB, in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, highlighted the findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States. The NTSB’s preliminary report indicated that the helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact, leading to the fragmentation of major components.
“As the lead agency, the NTSB has shared the preliminary report, which provides valuable information regarding the flight path, accident scene, and initial findings on the wreckage examination. In the preliminary report shared by the NTSB, it was revealed that NSIB investigators, in collaboration with other relevant authorities and stakeholders such as David Gerlach FAA, Steve GouldOrbic Air LLC, Vincent EcalleBureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses, Seth Buttner; Airbus Helicopters, Bryan Larimore; Safran Group have conducted on-site examinations and analysis of available data to determine the factors contributing to the accident.
“Initial findings suggest that the helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact, resulting in fragmentation of major components.
“However, during the flight, adverse weather conditions characterised by rain and a mix of snow, were encountered, as reported by witnesses, hinting that reports from law enforcement and eyewitnesses also indicated that several individuals travelling along Interstate 15 (I-15) observed a ‘fireball’ in the area, prompting calls to emergency services.
“The report also noted that subsequently, the wreckage of the helicopter was discovered in the high, mountainous desert and scrub-brush-covered terrain near Halloran Springs, California.
“Analysis of the accident site revealed a scattered debris pattern about 300 ft along a 120° magnetic, indicating a trajectory from an initial impact point which was a 1.5 ft deep, 12 ft long and 10 ft wide ground crater, containing fragments of the right landing gear skid, cockpit wiring, and cabin floor structure.
“The right skid step protruded upward at a 45° angle at the extreme eastern edge of the ground crater. According to the report, all major helicopter components were identified at the accident site, the helicopter’s fuselage was fragmented, and the cockpit and cabin were destroyed.
“Some debris and vegetation displayed thermal damage, indicative of the extent of the collision’s force. The flight control tubes and linkages leading up to the flight control servos were fragmented and continuity could not be verified.
“All three pitch control links were attached at the swash plate and blade pitch change horns. The main rotor blades were fragmented and broom strawed, and the blade sleeves and tips were present. Data analysis utilised sources including automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, operator personnel reports, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the flight path and sequence of events leading to the accident,” the NSIB spokesman stated.