The Nigerian Federal Government has officially confirmed the initiation of discussions with the United States government regarding the ongoing investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Access Holdings’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, and several prominent Nigerians in California, USA, last Friday.
American investigators have revealed plans to transfer the wreckage of the crashed chopper to a new location in the US for comprehensive tests on Tuesday. Wigwe, his wife Doreen, son Chizi, and former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Abimola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 crash at a border town between California and Nevada.
The tragic incident has prompted expressions of condolence from notable figures, including President Bola Tinubu, President Emmanuel Macron of France, state governors in Nigeria, business tycoons, and other prominent individuals. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has engaged in discussions with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States to provide necessary support for the ongoing investigation.
The NSIB’s Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh, affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with the US agency, following international protocols outlined in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 13. This protocol allows a state with a special interest in an accident involving its citizens to appoint an expert to participate in the investigation.
The NSIB statement outlined that the airworthiness investigation group has conducted a meticulous examination of the debris field, identifying and accounting for significant components of the helicopter. Simultaneously, the operations investigation group has started gathering crucial company information. The NTSB plans to transfer the wreckage to a secure location on Tuesday for in-depth examination and analysis.
The NTSB has confirmed the identification of major components of the crashed helicopter at the accident site, including electronic devices and onboard equipment. The investigation involves parties such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Orbic Air LLC (the charter flight operator), and the BEA French Aviation Investigation Agency, representing France as the state of the manufacturer of the Airbus helicopter and Turbomeca engine.
While expressing condolences, the NTSB Board Member, Michael Graham, emphasized the commitment to a thorough examination of the crash site. Witnesses reported rain and wintry conditions at the time of the crash, and Graham urged them to provide additional details, such as photos and videos.
In Nigeria, condolence visits were made to the families of the deceased, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Aliko Dangote, and other dignitaries. In the hometown of Herbert Wigwe, Omike community in Rivers State, residents took to the streets in mourning, demanding a comprehensive investigation and the repatriation of the victims’ remains for burial in Nigeria.
