Wigwe: US Agency Issues Preliminary Report, Attributes Chopper Crash to Adverse Weather Exacerbated by Rain, Snow
*NSIB describes findings as valuable information
Chinedu Eze
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued preliminary report on the crash of Airbus Helicopter, EC130B4, which killed the Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe and said that adverse weather exacerbated by rain and snow led to the crash of the chopper.
The helicopter which crashed on February 9, 2024 was operated by Orbic Air and chartered by the late Nigerian banker, who died along with his wife Doreen Wigwe, son Chizi Wigwe, and former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
NTSB investigators in collaboration with other relevant authorities and stakeholders such as David Gerlach of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Steve Gould of Orbic Air LLC, Vincent Ecalle of Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses, Seth Buttner of Airbus Helicopters and Bryan Larimore of Safran Group conducted on-site examinations and analysis of available data to determine the factors contributing to the accident.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian accident investigation agency, the NTSB shared the preliminary report, which provides valuable information regarding the flight path, accident scene, and initial findings on the wreckage examination.
The initial findings of NTSB suggested that the helicopter surffered catastrophic damage upon impact resulting in fragmentation of major components.
The report released on Friday outlined crucial details surrounding the tragic incident and noted that witnesses reported ‘rain and a mix of snow’ during the flight.
“It departed from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, the helicopter embarked on a journey to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada via Palm Springs International Airport.
“However, during its flight, adverse weather conditions characterised by rain and a mix of snow, were encountered, as reported by witnesses.”, the report said.
NTSB also stated, “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. 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, according to NTSB, 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.
“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 swashplate and blade pitch change horns. The main rotor blades were fragmented and broomstrawed, and the blade sleeves and tips were present.”, NTSB report stated.
The investigators revealed that 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 Director General, NSIB, Alex Badeh, however, noted that as the investigation progresses, the NSIB remains committed to engaging the NTSB to receive the public docket of the investigation, which will comprise the compendium of information gathered throughout the investigation.
He said the preliminary report emphasises that the information presented is subject to further investigation and analysis, with updates expected as additional evidence is gathered and assessed, ensuring a thorough understanding of the accident and its underlying causes.
“It is important to clearly state that the preliminary report is not the final determination of the cause of the accident. Additional investigations and analysis are required before any conclusions can be drawn.The NSIB will continue to engage the NTSB and other stakeholders throughout the investigation process. Further updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided as significant developments emerge”, he said.
See full preliminary report here
