United States authorities on Sunday said that a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the Chopper crash that killed the Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.
Speaking during a media briefing Saturday (3am Nigerian time, Sunday), a National Transportation Safety Board member, Michael Graham, said officials were on the scene to gather perishable evidence.
Graham said the team was “methodically and systematically reviewing all evidence” and considering all potential factors to determine the probable cause of the crash.
He added that although the information provided was only preliminary, witness reports suggested that a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the accident.
“The crew consisted of a pilot in command and a safety pilot. The accident flight was operated by Orbic Air LLC as a Part 135 charter flight.
“Witness reports of the weather conditions at the time of the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix.
“The helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder. This helicopter was not required to be equipped with those types of recording devices,” Graham said.
Asked about more information on the passengers, Graham stated there were no details but added that “any names will be released through the coroner’s office” without specifying a time frame.
He added that the NTSB would look into the chopper’s airworthiness; maintenance and structure of the helicopter, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control.
“Parties to the investigation include the FAA and Orbic Air LLC. As the investigation continues, other parties could be named,” he said.
“The BEA — the French aviation accident investigation agency — will serve as an accredited representative because France is a state of the manufacturer of the Airbus helicopter and the Turbomeca engine.”
Wigwe, his wife and son were onboard the helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border on Friday.
Also on board was the former group chairperson of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Meanwhile, Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the death of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter accident in the United States.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on Sunday.
The statement said, “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
Top officials have however send the death of Wigwe.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday described as tragic the reported death of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.
This is as a former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, described the situation as a great loss to the country.
Also the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has mourned the Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, who was feared dead in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.
The former Anambra State governor’s condolence message was contained in a statement he posted on his X handle on Sunday.
Obi wrote, “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group.
“This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey.
