Wigwe, others Tragic Helicopter Crash: Nigeria-US Collaborative Investigation Underway..NSIB

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has extended its full cooperation to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the inquiry of the tragic crash involving an Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 in the US on February 9, 2024.

The unfortunate incident claimed the life of Dr. Herbert Wigwe CFR, Group CEO of Access Holdings, and five others aboard the Orbic Air, LLC Part 135 charter flight from Palm Springs, California, to Boulder City, Nevada, at 10:08 PM (Pacific Standard Time).

Regrettably, US authorities have confirmed the loss of all individuals on the helicopter.

In response to the accident according to a statement from the NSIB, its Director General, Captain Alex Badeh, engaged with the NTSB as outlined in ICAO’s Annex 13, reflecting the State’s special interest in an accident involving its citizens.

The NSIB’s statement discloses that the NTSB investigation is led by Aaron Sauer, with Mark Ward as the deputy investigator in charge.

While various NTSB investigators will explore aspects such as airworthiness, maintenance structures, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control.

The NSIB reiterates its commitment to seamless collaboration with the NTSB, emphasizing a comprehensive investigation to enhance transportation safety in both Nigeria and the United States.

The NTSB estimates the investigation’s duration to be 18 to 24 months, contingent on various factors.