Herbert Wigwe: Nigeria receives preliminary report

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has received the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the tragic Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 accident that claimed the lives of six Nigerians including the Nigerian businessman, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, son Chizi and former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbajo on February 9, 2024, near Halloran Springs, California.
In the preliminary report shared by the United States NTSB, it was revealed that NSIB investigators, in collaboration with other relevant authorities and stakeholders such as David Gerlach FAA, Steve Gould Orbic Air LLC, Vincent Ecalle Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses, Seth Buttner; Airbus Helicopters, Bryan Larimore; Safran Group have conducted on-site examinations and analysis of available data to determine the factors contributing to the accident.
Initial findings suggested that the ill-fated helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact, resulting in fragmentation of major components.
The preliminary report on the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4, registered as N130CZ and operated by Orbic Air, LLC, under Part 135 regulations for on-demand flights, outlines crucial details surrounding the tragic incident. Departing from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, the helicopter embarked on a journey to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada via Palm Springs International Airport.
According to the findings; “However, during its flight, adverse weather conditions characterised by rain and a mix of snow, were encountered, as reported by witnesses. Reports from law enforcement and eyewitnesses also indicated that several individuals travelling along Interstate 15 (I-15) observed a “fireball” in the area, prompting calls to emergency services.
“Subsequently, the wreckage of the helicopter was discovered in the high, mountainous desert and scrub-brush covered terrain near Halloran Springs, California. Analysis of the accident site revealed a scattered debris pattern about 300 ft along a 120° magnetic, indicating a trajectory from an initial impact point which was a 1.5 ft deep, 12 ft long and 10 ft wide ground crater, containing fragments of the right landing gear skid, cockpit wiring, and cabin floor structure.
“The right skid step protruded upward at a 45° angle at the extreme eastern edge of the ground crater. All major helicopter components were identified at the accident site. The helicopter’s fuselage was fragmented, and the cockpit and cabin were destroyed. Some debris and vegetation displayed thermal damage, indicative of the extent of the collision’s force. The flight control tubes and linkages leading up to the flight control servos were fragmented and continuity could not be verified. All three pitch control links were attached at the swashplate and blade pitch change horns. “The main rotor blades were fragmented and broomstrawed, and the blade sleeves and tips were present. Data analysis utilised sources including automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, operator personnel reports, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the flight path and sequence of events leading to the accident.
As the investigation progresses, the Nigerian NSIB pledged commitment committed towards engaging the NTSB to receive the public docket of the investigation, which will comprise the compendium of information gathered throughout the investigation.
Following the accident, the NSIB had offered its full cooperation to the NTSB, the lead agency investigating the accident which claimed the lives of six Nigerians.
The NSIB, in accordance with the prerogative granted by the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, has the right to access investigation information on aviation accidents and incidents involving Nigerian-registered aircraft or Nigerian citizens in 193 countries that are member states of the ICAO.
Therefore, the NSIB has been actively engaging with the NTSB since the beginning of the investigation. As the lead agency, the NTSB has shared the preliminary report, which provides valuable information regarding the flight path, accident scene, and initial findings on the wreckage examination.
Additional investigations and analysis are required before any conclusions can be drawn.
According to the director, public affairs and consumer protection at the nisib, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Adedeji, the Nigerian Accident investigation bureau will continue to engage the NTSB and other stakeholders throughout the investigation process while further updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided as significant developments emerge.