The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released preliminary findings on the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and former Nigerian Exchange Group chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The tragic incident occurred on February 9, 2024, in California’s Mojave Desert.
According to the NTSB report published in May 2025, adverse weather conditions—specifically poor visibility due to snow and low clouds—played a major role in the crash. The helicopter, a Eurocopter EC130, operated by Orbic Air LLC, was en route from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada, when it went down near Halloran Springs, California.
Investigators stated that the pilot continued the flight despite rapidly deteriorating weather, flying into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which means the pilot could no longer rely on visual cues. The helicopter was not equipped with terrain awareness and warning systems, and the flight was being conducted under visual flight rules (VFR), which are unsuitable for such low visibility conditions.
Radar data and audio transcripts showed that the aircraft made a series of altitude changes before disappearing from radar. The wreckage was found scattered across a mountainous region, consistent with a high-impact collision.
The report also highlighted that there was no indication of mechanical failure before the crash, further pointing to human and weather-related factors as the primary causes. The NTSB emphasized the need for stricter flight protocols when flying in unpredictable weather, especially at night and in mountainous terrain.
The crash, which shocked Nigeria and the global financial community, claimed four lives and reignited conversations about executive air travel safety, weather compliance, and risk management for private aviation in the U.S. and abroad. Final reports from the NTSB are expected within a year and will include further analysis of the pilot’s decision-making and training.
