– Rain Confirmed at Time of Desert Helicopter Crash
– Desert Helicopter Crash Killed Six.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Federal investigators spent their first full day on Sunday collecting the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in the desert, approximately 75 miles northeast of Barstow. The tragic incident claimed the lives of six individuals, including an executive of a Nigerian bank, his wife and son, and the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. The recovery operation successfully retrieved all major components of the Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter, such as the three main rotor blades, main transmission, tail rotor, landing gear skids, and various avionics components, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Michael Graham.
NTSB flight-tracking data revealed that the helicopter was flying along the I-15 highway at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 feet above the ground. Towards the end of the flight, the helicopter made a slight right turn, veering south of the interstate. It then experienced a gradual descent and increasing ground speed before the flight data ended approximately a quarter-mile away from the crash site. Graham stated, “The wreckage site shows the helicopter impacted the terrain in a nose-low, right-bank angle.”
Secure Location for Further Examination
The recovered wreckage will be transported to a secure location on Tuesday for further examination, as announced by Graham. Additionally, NTSB meteorologists have corroborated witness reports confirming the presence of rain and wintery mist in the area at the time of the crash.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and NTSB Member Michael Graham reported the crash at 10:08 p.m. on Friday. The incident took place approximately a quarter-mile east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road.
According to Graham, the Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter had departed from Palm Springs at 8:45 p.m. and was en route to Boulder City, Nevada. The French-made helicopter was chartered from Orbit Air, LLC, based in Burbank.
Long Process of Investigation
Graham emphasized that the federal investigation had just begun and stated, “This is the beginning of a long process.” Investigators will commence their work at the crash site, collecting perishable evidence. The entire investigation is expected to take between 12 to 24 months to complete.
The passengers on board the ill-fated helicopter have been identified as 57-year-old Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, Group CEO of Nigeria-based Access Bank, along with his wife and son. The crash also claimed the life of Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. The identities of the pilot and copilot have not been disclosed at this time.
Reports of Downed Power Lines and Witness Testimonies
The NTSB plans to investigate media reports concerning downed power lines in the crash area. Additionally, they will examine witness testimonies that mention rain and “wintery mist” conditions. Witnesses also reported observing fire at the crash site.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, expressed her condolences on Twitter, saying, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” She extended her deepest sympathies to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, as well as the employees and management of Access Bank Group.
Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State in Nigeria, expressed his shock and devastation upon learning about the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, stating, “We also unfortunately lost Wigwe’s wife and son, as well as the former group chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.” Obaseki praised Wigwe’s leadership in elevating Access Bank to an international brand and expressed his profound sorrow during this challenging time.
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– Rain confirmed at time of desert helicopter crash
– Desert helicopter crash that killed six.
