The US security board publishes the report on a crash in which the Nigerian billionaire was killed, others

The NTSB report provided detailed information on the Airbus helicopter EC130B4 with the registration of N130CZ, which was operated by Orbic Air, LLC and was destroyed on February 9, 2024 in an accident near Halloran Springs, to kill the Nigerian billionaire and some family members.

The Nigerian billionaire Herbert Wigwe, ex-CEO of Access Bank, was on board the aircraft together with his wife and 29-year-old son.

Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of the Nigerian stock exchange, was also among the victims, whose death concerns the Nigerian public and the financial sector.

The two pilots – Benjamin Pettingill (25) and Blake Hansen, 22 – also died in the crash.

Below you will find an extract from the report:

Before the charter flight of part 135 there was no records that the pilot or security pilot received an official weather meeting. It is unclear which weather information, if at all, is checked by apps and how feeflight. The pilot has completed A Flugritic analysis Form with a low -risk score according to corporate standards.

The helicopter went off under visual flight rules at night and was based on the focus on the highway and vehicle. In the course of the flight, the deterioration of the weather – including low blankets and reduced view – led to the pilots to fly lower and slower. The helicopter deviated from its route, possibly in response to deteriorating conditions.

Two minutes before the crash, the helicopter increased the speed and height, which may indicate an attempt to recover from poor visibility. It then left right and a quick descent, which ultimately fell in hilly terrain. Witnesses saw a fireball and reported rain and snow at the time.

Night weather also hindered the rescue efforts. The wreck was found over an hour later without survivors.

With regard to the likely cause of the accident, the NTSB found that the pilot's decision, despite poor weather conditions, continued to fly visual information, to disorientation and to loss of control.

The investigators also found that the helicopter operator could not properly monitor the most important security procedures, including the implementation of risk reviews, maintaining more precise maintenance protocols and to ensure the aircraft before the start.