Wigwe: NSIB Receives Preliminar y Report On Helicopter Crash

THE Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau ( NSIB) has received the preliminary report of the helicopter crash near Halloran Springs,

California, that claimed the lives of the Chief Executive officer of Access Holdings, Dr . Herbert Wigwe, and five oth-ers, from the National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB); the lead agency investigating the crash

A statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, revealed that NTSB had shared the preliminary report, which provides valuable information regarding the flight path, accident scene and initial findings on the wreckage examination.

The statement disclosed that the preliminary report shared by the NTSB revealed that NSIB investigators in collaboration with other relevant authori - ties and stakeholders such as David Gerlach FAA, Steve Gould Orbic Air LLC, Vincent Ecalle Bureau d’enquetes et d’analyses, Seth Buttner; Airbus Helicopters, Bryan Larimore and Safran Group have conducted on- site examinations and analysis of available data to determine the factors that contributed to the accident.

The initial findings sug gest that the helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact, resulting in fragmentation of major components.

The report read: “The report on the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4, registered as N130CZ and operated by Orbic Air, LLC, under Part 135 regulations for on- demand flights, outlines crucial details surrounding the tragic incident. Departing from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, the heli - copter embarked on a journey to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada via Palm Springs International Airport. However, during its flight, adverse weather conditions characterised by rain and a mix of snow, were encountered, as reported by witnesses.

“Reports from law enforcement and eyewitnesses also indicated that several individuals travelling along Interstate 15 ( I- 15) observed a “fireball” in the area, prompting calls to emergency services.”

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