The fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Access Holdings’ former CEO Herbert Wigwe, his family, and others was the result of pilot error brought on by spatial disorientation, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded.
The final report, released Wednesday, pointed to the pilot’s decision to continue flying under visual flight rules (VFR) despite entering deteriorating weather conditions that required instrument-based navigation. This misjudgment, the report said, ultimately led to the pilot losing control of the aircraft.
The crash, which occurred near the California-Nevada border on February 9, 2024, killed all six passengers, including Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and former NGX Group chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
In addition to pilot error, the report cited lapses by the helicopter operator, including a failure to properly manage safety protocols and ensure compliance with maintenance regulations. The investigation revealed that the aircraft’s radar altimeter — a critical instrument — was non-functional before takeoff.
Evidence showed the pilot had raised concerns via text with a company mechanic, who attempted troubleshooting but failed to restore functionality. Despite this, the pilot proceeded with the flight. The report also noted a lack of communication regarding weather conditions or equipment status between the pilot and the flight follower after picking up passengers. Investigators concluded that these omissions contributed to the fatal outcome
