The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced its collaboration with the United States counterpart, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to intensify the investigation into the helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Herbert Wigwe and five others.

According to Bimbo Oladeji, a spokesperson for the NSIB, the collaboration aims to facilitate a thorough investigation into the incident. The NSIB’s boss, Captain Alex Badeh, initiated contact with the NTSB in accordance with international aviation protocols, granting Nigeria special interest in accidents involving its citizens.

The helicopter crash occurred on Friday, February 9, 2024, near Interstate 15 in Halloran Springs, California, at approximately 10:08 PM Pacific Standard Time. 

The ill-fated Airbus EC130B4 helicopter was carrying Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, his wife, son, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbajo, and others.

The NTSB confirmed the accident and dispatched its “Go Team” to investigate. Michael Graham, a board member of the NTSB, revealed that the 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.

The collaboration between the NSIB and the NTSB underscores the importance of international cooperation in aviation safety investigations to determine the cause of the tragic incident and prevent future occurrences.