The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that pilot error caused by spatial disorientation led to the helicopter crash that killed former Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and three others in February 2024.
In its final report released Wednesday, the NTSB also faulted the helicopter operator for inadequate safety oversight, including failure to enforce proper flight risk assessments and maintenance protocols.
The crash occurred on February 9, 2024, near the California-Nevada border. The helicopter, registered as N130CZ, was flying under visual flight rules (VFR) but entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)—low-visibility conditions that require instrument-based navigation.
“The probable cause of this accident was the pilot’s decision to continue VFR into IMC, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control,” the report stated.
Among the victims was Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group.
Investigators also found that the aircraft’s radar altimeter—a crucial instrument for measuring altitude—was non-functional before the fatal flight. Text messages revealed that the pilot had informed the maintenance director of the issue, and although troubleshooting was attempted, the problem remained unresolved.
Despite knowing the radar altimeter was inoperative, the pilot and the director of maintenance allowed the flight to proceed. No discussion about the faulty instrument or adverse weather conditions occurred between the pilot and flight follower before takeoff.
“The pilot likely became disoriented while maneuvering in IMC, leading to loss of control and impact with terrain,” the report concluded.
The NTSB’s findings raise serious questions about the helicopter company’s internal procedures and its compliance with aviation safety standards.
