By Gloria Nosa
United States transportation safety authorities have released preliminary findings into the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Nigerian banking executive Herbert Wigwe, shedding light on the possible cause of the fatal incident.
According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash occurred under adverse weather conditions, with poor visibility and treacherous terrain playing key roles in the accident. Investigators noted that the helicopter, a Eurocopter EC130, went down near the California-Nevada border during a night flight in harsh winter conditions.
Wigwe, who was the Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, was on board with several others, including his wife and son, when the chopper crashed in early February 2024. The flight was en route from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada, reportedly to attend the Super Bowl weekend festivities.
The NTSB stated that low visibility due to snow and clouds likely disoriented the pilot, contributing to what is known as spatial disorientation—a common cause of aviation accidents in low-visibility conditions. Investigators also noted that the pilot may have lacked adequate instruments or experience to navigate safely under such conditions.
“There were no indications of mechanical failure prior to the crash,” the report confirmed. “The flight encountered weather conditions unsuitable for visual flight, which may have exceeded the pilot’s capabilities.”
Though the investigation remains ongoing, the preliminary findings have provided some closure to the grieving families and the public, many of whom were shocked by the sudden death of one of Nigeria’s most prominent financial leaders.
Wigwe was widely respected for transforming Access Bank into one of Africa’s top financial institutions. His untimely death sparked an outpouring of tributes across the business, political, and philanthropic spheres in Nigeria and beyond.
The final NTSB report, which will include more detailed analysis including flight data, maintenance history, and pilot records, is expected to be released in the coming months.
