The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has obtained the initial findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concerning the tragic Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 accident that resulted in the loss of lives, including Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen Wigwe, their son, Chizi Wigwe, and former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NSIB, revealed in a statement that the preliminary report indicates the helicopter suffered catastrophic damage upon impact, leading to the fragmentation of major components.
According to the findings, witnesses reported adverse weather conditions characterized by rain and a mix of snow during the flight. Several individuals traveling along interstate 15 (I-15) observed a fireball in the area, prompting calls to emergency services.
Subsequently, the wreckage of the helicopter was discovered in the high, mountainous desert and scrub-brush covered terrain near Halloran Springs, California.
The statement outlined, “Analysis of the accident site revealed a scattered debris pattern about 300 ft along a 120° magnetic, indicating a trajectory from an initial impact point which was a 1.5 ft deep, 12 ft long and 10 ft wide ground crater, containing fragments of the right landing gear skid, cockpit wiring, and cabin floor structure. The right skid step protruded upward at a 45° angle at the extreme eastern edge of the ground crater.”
“All major helicopter components were identified at the accident site,” it continued. “The helicopter’s fuselage was fragmented, and the cockpit and cabin were destroyed. Some debris and vegetation displayed thermal damage, indicative of the extent of the collision’s force.”
Furthermore, the statement elucidated on the fragmented main rotor blades and the utilization of various data sources for data analysis, including automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, operator personnel reports, and eyewitness accounts.
The NSIB assured its commitment to engaging with the NTSB throughout the investigation process to receive the public docket, which will encompass a comprehensive range of information gathered, including photographs, interview summaries, and relevant documentation, providing insights into the factors contributing to the accident.
As the investigation progresses, both agencies strive to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident, offering closure and understanding to the families affected by the helicopter crash.
