The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has offered its full cooperation to the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the investigation of the tragic Airbus
Helicopter EC130B4 crash that resulted in the death of Dr Herbert Wigwe of Access Holdings and five others who were onboard

 

This was stated  in a news release by Mrs. Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji ,Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

NSIB is the multimodal transport agency in Nigeria responsible for promoting transport safety
and conducting objective and thorough, investigations into transport accidents.

 

Similarly, the NTSB is the counterpart agency in the United States charged with fulfilling the same function
as the NSIB.

Following the helicopter crash which occurred on Friday, February 9, 2024, at about 10:08
PM. (Pacific Standard Time) near Interstate 15 in Halloran Springs, California, the NTSB
confirmed the accident via its post on X and stated that it had dispatched its “Go Team” to
investigate the accident.

 

The ill-fated helicopter, operated by Orbic Air, LLC as a Part 135
charter flight, departed from Palm Springs, California, at 8:45 p.m. PST, en route to Boulder
City, Nevada, said Michael Graham, a board member of the National Transportation Safety
Board, during a news conference on Saturday.

 

Regrettably, the United States authorities have now confirmed that everyone onboard the
aircraft lost their lives in the crash.

 

The deceased are two crew members comprising a pilot in
command and a “safety pilot” and four passengers namely Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son,

and Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc,
(NGX Group),

 

In the aftermath of the accident, the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation
Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh established contact with NTSB, in accordance with Chapter 5
subsection 27 of ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – Aircraft
Accident and Incident Investigation, which grants a State (nation) special interest in an accident
involving its citizens.

 

5.27 A State which has a special interest in an accident by virtue of fatalities
or serious injuries to its citizens shall be entitled to appoint an expert who
shall be entitled to:
a. visit the scene of the accident;
b. have access to the relevant information which is approved for public
release by the State conducting the investigation, and information on
the progress of the investigation; and
c. receive a copy of the Final Report.

 

ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil therefore grants Nigeria, through
the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the prerogative to appoint an expert to actively
participate in the investigation.

 

This participation ensures access to relevant information and
facilitates cooperation with the investigating authorities, towards ensuring the investigation
reaches a conclusive outcome.

 

The ongoing discussion between the NSIB and NTSB has highlighted the diligent investigation
efforts of the NTSB.

 

NTSB investigators were present at the crash scene in Halloran Springs,
California, on Saturday to collect evidence and conduct initial on-scene documentation.

 

The
documentation process included aerial mapping of the wreckage with a drone, and site
measurements.

 

Correspondence between the NSIB and NTSB further revealed that the NTSB investigation
into the crash is being led by Aaron Sauer as the investigator in charge, supported by Mark
Ward as the deputy investigator in charge.

 

Several other NTSB investigators will also be
examining various aspects of the accident including airworthiness and maintenance structures,
operations, meteorology and air traffic control.

 

Notably, the airworthiness investigation group initiated a meticulous examination of the debris
field, which spans approximately 100 yards.

 

All significant components of the helicopter,
including the main transmission, engine, and various avionic elements, were identified and
accounted for at the accident site.

 

In tandem, the operations investigation group has
commenced gathering crucial company information, including pilot records, flight dispatch

records, and aircraft maintenance records.

 

Moving forward, coordination is underway by the
NTSB to transfer the wreckage to a secure location on Tuesday for in-depth examination and
analysis scheduled

 

Parties to the investigation include Orbic Air, LLC, and the FAA. As the investigation
continues, other parties could be named.

 

Additionally, the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for
Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), the French aviation accident investigation agency, will also serve
as an accredited representative, due to France being the state of manufacturer for the Airbus
helicopter and Turbomeca Engine.

 

 

Both Airbus Helicopters and Turbomeca Engines will serve
as technical advisors to the investigation.

 

The duration of the accident investigation being conducted by NTSB is expected to take
approximately 18 to 24 months to complete. The actual duration depends on many
factors.

 

Each investigator carries a caseload of many accident investigations which they work
on concurrently and each investigation presents its unique complexities.

 

The NTSB accident investigation process typically comprises three major milestones. The first
is the preliminary investigation report, which contains information gathered by investigators
during the on-scene examination.

 

This report is expected to be released within 14 to 21 days
following the date of the examinations. The next milestone involves the compilation of the
public docket, which includes a collection of information gathered throughout the
investigation.

This typically includes photographs, interview summaries, documentation, and
other relevant data.

 

Finally, the third milestone is the publication of the final aviation accident
report, which serves to conclude the investigation. This report may take up to two years to
complete and usually contains analysis and a statement of the probable cause of the accident,
if determined.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau reaffirms its commitment to collaborate fully with
the National Transportation Safety Board, aiming for a thorough and conclusive investigation
that will enhance transport safety in both Nigeria and the United States.

The Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 crash has brought a colossal loss to our dear nation Nigeria.
Our hearts go out to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families and loved ones affected by this
tragedy.

We extend our deepest sympathies to them during this difficult time.
Updates on the investigation will be provided as information becomes available.