In a tragic incident, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported that witnesses observed the helicopter carrying Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, as a “fireball” before it crashed, claiming the lives of all six people on board.
The chopper, registered as N130CZ, was carrying Wigwe, his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).
According to a preliminary investigation report by the NTSB, witnesses reported that the weather on the day of the crash included a mix of rain and snow.
The report revealed that the helicopter, equipped with automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) technology, recorded an increase in ground speed before the crash.
“The accident flight departed Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) under visual flight rules and flew a northwesterly heading before following US Highway 111 to Interstate (I) 10,” the report stated.
“The helicopter continued along I-10, crossed over San Bernadino International Airport, San Bernadino, California, and then followed I-215 to I-15. The helicopter followed I-15 toward the planned destination of Boulder City Municipal Airport (BVU), Boulder City, Nevada.”
However, the ADS-B track data was lost near Barstow, California, likely due to terrain interference. It resumed later, showing the helicopter gradually descending in altitude and increasing in ground speed before the crash.
Law enforcement and witnesses traveling on I-15 reported seeing a “fireball” to the south, prompting calls to 911. The accident site was discovered later by law enforcement in high mountainous desert terrain.
The wreckage was scattered over about 300 ft along a 120° magnetic heading from the initial impact point. Despite the devastation, all major helicopter components were identified at the accident site.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers inherent in air travel, especially in adverse weather conditions. Authorities continue to investigate the crash to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
