Breaking: Nigeria to collaborate with U.S NTSB to investigate helicopter crash that killed Herbert Wigwe, others

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced collaboration with the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the investigation of the crash that killed the co-founder and Group CEO of Access Banking Plc.  

This was disclosed in a press statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) where it stated following the crash, the Director of the NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh established contact with the NTSB since individuals involved were persons of interest in Nigeria.  

The statement further noted that such collaboration is hinged on the Chapter 5 subsection 27 of ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation which provides countries with special interest with accidents involving her citizens.  

• Also, the rule provides countries with special interest to the following, a.“visit the scene of the accident” 
• b. “have access to the relevant information which is approved for public release by the State conducting the investigation, and”
• c. “ information on the progress of the investigation and receive a copy of the Final Report.”

Structure and duration of the investigation 

It noted that the NTSB investigation is usually structured in three phases of which the report from the preliminary investigation will be released in 14 to 21 days while the final aviation accident report will be published in two years.  

The duration of the investigation will span between 18 to 24 months.  

Additionally, the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) will be part of the investigation since the helicopter involved in the crash being manufactured in France.  

Backstory 

• On Saturday, reports from multiple sources confirmed the air crash involving CEO of Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son and former Chairman of the NGX, Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo.  
• The air crash occurred around the California, Nevada border around 10pm Pacific time on their way to Boulder city Nevada.  
• Since the conformation of his death, encomiums and eulogies have poured in from far and wide including President Tinubu, Governors, bank CEOs and other notable Nigerians.