1. Desert helicopter crash
2. Rain confirmed at time of desert crash.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Federal Investigators Begin Probe into Fatal Helicopter Crash in California Desert

On Sunday, federal investigators commenced their investigation into a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six people, including a high-ranking executive from a Nigerian bank, his wife and son, and the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. The crash occurred in the desert, approximately 75 miles northeast of Barstow, California. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spent their first full day at the crash site, collecting various components of the Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter and gathering perishable evidence.

Recovery of Major Components

NTSB Member Michael Graham provided an update on the recovery efforts, stating that all major components of the helicopter, such as the three main rotor blades, main transmission, tail rotor, landing gear skids, and avionics components, were successfully retrieved from the crash site. This crucial evidence will be moved to a secure location on Tuesday for further examination. The wreckage site indicated that the helicopter impacted the terrain at a nose-low, right-bank angle.

Flight Data Analysis

According to NTSB flight-tracking data, the helicopter was flying along Interstate 15 at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 feet above ground before it took a slight right turn towards the south. As the flight neared its end, the helicopter experienced a gradual descent and an increase in ground speed. The flight data ended approximately a quarter-mile from the crash site. Investigators will meticulously analyze this data to determine the factors leading to the tragic crash.

Meteorological Conditions and Witness Accounts

NTSB meteorologists supported witness accounts that reported rain and wintery mist in the area during the time of the crash. This adverse weather condition will be considered as a potential contributing factor to the accident. Witnesses also mentioned observing fire in the crash area, providing additional details that will aid the investigation. The NTSB will further explore media reports of downed power lines in the vicinity, as these may have played a role in the crash.

Lengthy Investigation Expected

NTSB Member Michael Graham emphasized that the investigation will be a long process, estimating that it may take between 12 to 24 months to complete. Investigators have just begun gathering perishable evidence from the crash scene, and the meticulous examination of this evidence, along with the analysis of flight data, witness statements, and meteorological conditions, will require time for a comprehensive conclusion to be reached.

Passengers identified

The passengers on board the ill-fated helicopter have been identified as Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a 57-year-old Group CEO of Access Bank in Nigeria, his wife, and his son. Additionally, Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group, was also among the victims. The pilot and co-pilot have not yet been identified.

Condolences and Mourning

The news of the tragic crash has sent shockwaves through Nigeria and the international community. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, expressed her condolences on social media, saying, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria, expressed his deep shock and devastation at the loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, describing him as a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Access Bank has become an internationally recognized brand under Dr. Wigwe’s leadership, placing Nigeria on the global map of first-class financial services. Governor Obaseki extended his prayers for comfort during this profoundly difficult time.

The investigation into this tragic helicopter crash will continue, as federal investigators meticulously analyze the evidence collected and piece together the events that led to the devastating loss of six lives..

– Rain confirmed at time of desert helicopter crash
– Desert helicopter crash that killed six.