The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the February 2024 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and former Nigerian Exchange Group chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
According to the report, the tragedy was primarily caused by pilot error and inadequate oversight by the helicopter operator, Orbic Air, LLC.
What Went Wrong
The NTSB found that the pilot continued flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite encountering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)—poor weather with low visibility. This led to spatial disorientation, a dangerous condition where the pilot loses track of altitude and direction, ultimately causing a fatal loss of control.
Compounding the issue was a non-functional radar altimeter—a key safety device that measures altitude above the ground. The pilot had reported the faulty equipment to Orbic Air’s maintenance team prior to the flight. Despite multiple failed repair attempts, the aircraft was cleared to fly.
In a damning assessment, the NTSB also found that Orbic Air failed to enforce proper flight risk assessments, safety management practices, and maintenance reporting, all of which could have prevented the crash.
No Communication, No Intervention
The report revealed that once the passengers were picked up, there was no further communication between the pilot and Orbic Air’s flight operations about the malfunctioning altimeter or the worsening weather conditions. This lack of communication contributed to the accident.
Remembering the Victims
Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, and a titan in African banking.
Doreen Wigwe, wife of Herbert.
Chizi Wigwe, their son.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
Two pilots, both of whom also perished in the crash.
The tragedy shocked Nigeria and the global financial community, prompting tributes and calls for deeper investigations. The NTSB’s final report now offers closure—and a critical reminder of the importance of aviation safety compliance.
