Herbert Wigwe : “Rain Confirmed in Desert Helicopter Crash: 6 Dead”

Federal Investigators Begin Examination of Crash Site

Federal investigators spent their first full day on Sunday in the desert 75 miles northeast of Barstow picking up the pieces of a helicopter that took off from Palm Springs and crashed, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives. Among the victims were an executive of a Nigerian bank, his wife and son, and the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group.

The Airbus Eurocopter EC130 helicopter, chartered from Orbit Air, LLC in Burbank, was en route to Boulder City, Nevada when the incident occurred. The wreckage was located approximately a quarter-mile east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Michael Graham.

Recovery of Major Components and Investigation Process

All major components of the helicopter, including the main rotor blades, main transmission, tail rotor, landing gear skids, and various avionics components, were recovered at the crash site. NTSB flight-tracking data revealed that the helicopter was traveling along Interstate 15 at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 feet above ground. As the flight neared its end, the helicopter made a slight right turn, veering south of the interstate. It then descended gradually with increasing ground speed before the flight data ended near the wreckage, about a quarter-mile away. Graham stated, “The wreckage site shows the helicopter impacted the terrain in a nose-low, right-bank angle.”

The NTSB plans to move the wreckage to a secure location on Tuesday for further examination. The investigation is expected to be a lengthy process, with investigators initially focusing on gathering perishable evidence at the crash scene. Graham estimates that it will take 12-24 months to complete the investigation.

Meteorological Conditions and Witness Reports

NTSB meteorologists now concur with witness accounts that noted the presence of rain and wintery mist in the area at the time of the crash. Additionally, witnesses reported seeing fire in the crash area. The NTSB plans to investigate media reports regarding downed power lines in the vicinity.

Loss of Respected Figures and Condolences

The passengers onboard the ill-fated helicopter have been identified as Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, Group CEO of Nigeria-based Access Bank, along with his wife and son. Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group, was also among the victims. The pilot and co-pilot have yet to be identified.

The tragic news has garnered condolences from around the world. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, expressed her sympathies and tweeted, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria, expressed shock and devastation, highlighting Wigwe’s significant contributions to the financial sector. Obaseki stated, “The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching, and we pray for God’s abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.”