Wigwe: NTSB’s prelim report affirms copter faced adverse weather conditions

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report on the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4, operated by Orbic Air and chartered by Herbert Wigwe,  the late Nigerian banker, his wife Doreen Wigwe, son Chizi Wigwe, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, shows it encountered adverse weather condition characterised by rain and a mix of snow before it crashed.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said in a statement that 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. 

In the preliminary report shared by the 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.

The initial findings suggest that the helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact resulting in fragmentation of major components.

The report, which outlined crucial details surrounding the tragic incident, noted that witnesses reported ‘rain and a mix of snow’ during the flight.

“It departed 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.

“However, during its flight, adverse weather conditions characterised by rain and a mix of snow were encountered, as reported by witnesses,” it said.

It added that “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, according to NTSB,  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,” it added.

The investigators revealed that 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.

Alex Badeh, director general, NSIB, however, noted that as the investigation progresses, the NSIB remains committed to engaging the NTSB to receive the public docket of the investigation, which will comprise the compendium of information gathered throughout the investigation.

He said the preliminary report emphasises that the information presented is subject to further investigation and analysis, with updates expected as additional evidence is gathered and assessed, ensuring a thorough understanding of the accident and its underlying causes.

“It is important to clearly state that the preliminary report is not the final determination of the cause of the accident. Additional investigations and analysis are required before any conclusions can be drawn. The NSIB will continue to engage the NTSB and other stakeholders throughout the investigation process. Further updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided as significant developments emerge,” he said.