NTSB Report Blames Pilot Error and Lax Safety Oversight in Crash That Killed Herbert Wigwe and Family

Herbert Wigwe – The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the February 9, 2024 helicopter crash that killed former Access Holdings Plc CEO, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife Doreen, son Chizi, and former Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The crash, which occurred in California near the Nevada border, was a devastating event that stunned Nigeria’s corporate and financial communities.

According to the NTSB, the tragedy was primarily caused by the pilot’s decision to continue flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite deteriorating weather conditions that required Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The report concludes that the pilot likely became disoriented in low visibility and lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a fatal impact with the terrain.

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Pilot’s Disorientation and Poor Weather Were Key Factors

The investigation revealed that the pilot pressed on with the flight in violation of standard safety practices. Although VFR flights rely on clear visual references, the prevailing weather conditions made it unsafe to fly without relying on instruments. The NTSB determined that the decision to continue under such circumstances led to the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation—a dangerous condition where a pilot cannot correctly interpret aircraft attitude, altitude, or speed.

This loss of situational awareness proved fatal, especially as the terrain in the crash area is mountainous and requires precision navigation.

Radar Altimeter Issues Ignored Before Takeoff

Adding to the gravity of the situation was the fact that the helicopter’s radar altimeter—a critical safety instrument—was not functioning properly prior to the flight. The report notes that during the return leg of the flight, the pilot texted the Director of Maintenance (DOM) about the radar altimeter malfunction. Although this issue was flagged, the aircraft was not grounded.

A mechanic attempted to troubleshoot the radar altimeter upon the pilot’s return to the company’s operations base but failed to fix it. Despite this unresolved fault, the pilot proceeded with a positioning flight to pick up the passengers. Shockingly, neither the radar altimeter malfunction nor the hazardous weather conditions were discussed with the company flight follower, who was also the company president.

Company’s Safety Management Failures Highlighted

Beyond pilot error, the NTSB squarely criticized the helicopter company for its lack of effective safety oversight. The investigation revealed a string of operational lapses, including failure to ensure pilots conducted thorough flight risk assessments, accurately logged maintenance issues, and adhered to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 135 regulations.

“The company’s safety management protocols were either inadequately enforced or ignored altogether,” the report stated. These oversights significantly contributed to the unsafe environment that culminated in the crash.

The findings paint a picture of a deeply flawed operational culture where safety concerns were neither communicated properly nor acted upon with urgency. The NTSB emphasized that effective communication and regulatory compliance could have potentially prevented the loss of lives.

Communication Breakdowns and Missed Warning Signs

The NTSB report also underscores a critical failure in internal communication. Despite multiple interactions between the pilot, DOM, and other key personnel—including text messages and phone calls—there was no serious discussion about either the non-functional radar altimeter or the worsening weather conditions.

This failure to flag or escalate these issues highlighted systemic weaknesses within the company’s safety framework. According to aviation experts, a fully functional radar altimeter is vital for terrain awareness, especially in low-visibility conditions.

The lack of concern shown toward the faulty equipment not only breached standard aviation protocol but also violated FAA safety expectations for chartered flights.

Industry Reactions and Public Grief

The helicopter crash, which claimed four prominent Nigerian lives, sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted demands for stricter enforcement of aviation safety standards in private charters and executive flights. Tributes poured in from political leaders, corporate executives, and the public, mourning the loss of Herbert Wigwe—a banking visionary—and the others aboard.

In light of the NTSB’s report, there are growing calls for Nigerian aviation regulators to audit and enhance domestic charter safety regulations, ensuring similar oversights don’t recur locally.

A Tragic Reminder of Aviation Risks

Ultimately, the NTSB concluded:

“The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control, was the probable cause of the accident. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its safety management processes.”

The findings serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting aviation protocols and safety measures, particularly in high-risk flying conditions. For the families of the victims and a mourning nation, the report offers closure, albeit with a sense of profound loss.