The operators of the helicopter involved in the tragic crash that claimed the lives of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and three others may soon face criminal charges in the United States, according to aviation industry experts.
The crash occurred on February 9, 2024, when an Airbus EC130B4, operated by Orbic Air, LLC under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, crashed near Halloran Springs, California.
The Next Edition had earlier reported that a final report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) pointed to “pilot disorientation” and a violation of flight protocols as key causes of the crash.
The investigation revealed that the decision to proceed under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions contributed to the tragedy.
A faulty radar altimeter, previously flagged during a repositioning flight earlier that day, was also identified as a potential factor.
Industry professionals in Nigeria now assert that the U.S. government is likely to pursue criminal negligence charges against Orbic Air, with a judicial panel of inquiry set to review the case.
The panel will assess the extent of liability and determine potential penalties for the helicopter company.
A retired pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, Capt Muhammed Badamasi, in an interview with Punch noted, “It’s already a legal matter. The panel of inquiry will determine whether the crash and the resulting deaths were due to a breach of the company’s safety protocols. If so, it becomes a judicial issue, and charges may follow.”
Badamasi also emphasised that legal proceedings would take place in the U.S., with agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NTSB, and representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau possibly involved as interested parties.
As legal scrutiny intensifies, experts believe this case could set a significant precedent for regulatory enforcement in private charter operations, both in the U.S. and internationally.
A retired pilot and current Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt Ado Sanusi, expressed similar views, stating that prosecution would follow the completion of the investigation.
