Pilot Error Arising from Spatial Disorientation Killed Wigwe Family Says NTSB Report
The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and three others.
The accident, which occurred on February 9, 2024, near Halloran Springs, California, has been attributed primarily to pilot error caused by spatial disorientation, compounded by inadequate safety oversight from the operating company.
The crash involved a Eurocopter EC130B4 operated by Orbic Air LLC, en route from Palm Springs, California, to Boulder City, Nevada.
The helicopter went down in the Mojave Desert, killing all six people on board.
The victims of the crash included:
• Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc
• Doreen Wigwe, his wife
• Chizi Wigwe, their son
• Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc
• Two crew members
According to the NTSB report, the crash was primarily caused by the pilot’s decision to continue flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) into deteriorating weather conditions, specifically Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
This led to spatial disorientation—a dangerous state where a pilot loses the ability to correctly interpret the aircraft’s attitude, altitude, or airspeed—resulting in a catastrophic loss of control.
“The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation while maneuvering the helicopter in IMC, which led to his loss of helicopter control and the resulting collision with terrain,” the report stated.
The NTSB investigation also highlighted serious safety management lapses by Orbic Air LLC. The report noted that the company failed to ensure proper risk assessments, accurate maintenance records, and regulatory compliance before the flight.
Crucially, the helicopter’s radar altimeter—a vital instrument for determining altitude in poor visibility—was non-functional before the flight. Despite this known issue, the pilot proceeded without resolving the critical safety risk.
The pilot had communicated the malfunction to the company’s Director of Maintenance, and a mechanic had attempted but failed to address the problem before the ill-fated journey.
The NTSB’s findings underscore the critical importance of adhering to established flight protocols, particularly regarding weather assessments and equipment functionality.
The board has recommended that aviation companies strengthen their safety management systems, enforce stricter pre-flight checks, and prioritize pilot training to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Herbert Wigwe, a prominent figure in African finance, was widely respected for his transformative leadership at Access Holdings, where he oversaw the company’s expansion into one of Africa’s largest financial institutions.
His tragic passing, alongside his family members, has left a profound impact on Nigeria’s business community.
As the investigation concludes, the NTSB report serves as a sobering reminder of the critical role that rigorous safety practices play in aviation, where even minor oversights can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
