The aircraft, operated by Orbic Air, was not fit for flight due to a malfunctioning radar altimeter.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that the February 2024 helicopter crash that killed Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others was caused by pilot disorientation and safety oversight failures.
According to the final report, the pilot flew under visual flight rules into poor weather, leading to “spatial disorientation and loss of control.”
The aircraft, operated by Orbic Air, was not fit for flight due to a malfunctioning radar altimeter.
“Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its safety management processes,” the NTSB said.
Despite knowing the radar altimeter was faulty, the crew proceeded with the flight. Adverse weather further impaired visibility, and the helicopter crashed in a right turn at high speed.
Wreckage was located 1 hour, 40 minutes later near Halloran Springs, California. Investigators found no mechanical failure but noted “high-energy impact” consistent with pilot disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions.