
The authorities in the United States have shared preliminary reports on the chopper crash which led to the death of the Group Executive Officer, Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe.
Their preliminary reports point to causes like a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the chopper crash that killed the Access Bank boss.
Wigwe, his wife, son and former group chairperson of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were passengers in ill-fated helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border on Friday.
Michael Graham of the National Transportation Safety Board, revealed that officials of the board 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 further explained 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
“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.”
Here in Nigeria, Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the death of its CEO, Wigwe along with his wife and son.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on Sunday.
Be the first to comment