Wigwe Helicopter Crash: Why U.S. Operator May Face Criminal Charges

The operator of the helicopter that crashed in California in February 2024, killing former Access Holdings Group CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others, may soon face criminal charges in the United States, according to aviation experts.

The crash, involving an Airbus EC130B4 operated by Orbic Air, LLC, occurred near Halloran Springs on February 9, 2024. The aircraft, flown under commercial charter regulations, was carrying Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, former NGX Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two pilots—all of whom died in the incident.

A final report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) attributed the crash primarily to pilot disorientation and a violation of aviation protocols. Notably, the helicopter flew under visual flight rules despite poor weather conditions that required instrument-based navigation. The report also highlighted a malfunctioning radar altimeter, previously flagged during an earlier flight that same day, as a potential contributing factor.

Aviation professionals in Nigeria say the U.S. government is now likely to pursue criminal negligence charges against Orbic Air. The case is expected to be presented before a judicial panel, which would assess liability and determine possible penalties.

Speaking to The Punch, Capt. Muhammed Badamasi, a retired Nigeria Airways pilot, said the legal process would unfold in the U.S., with the state acting as plaintiff and the helicopter company as defendant. He explained that the panel would investigate whether the crash resulted from a breach of safety protocols, which, if confirmed, would lead to judicial proceedings.

Capt. Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors and a retired pilot, echoed these views, emphasizing that once the accident’s root cause has been formally submitted, legal authorities would take over. He noted that the aviation industry’s role ends with the investigation, and any prosecution would be handled by relevant state agencies.

Industry analyst Chris Aligbe said the case signals a shift in how aviation negligence is addressed. He stressed that past incidents may have gone unpunished, but today’s legal and regulatory environments are far less tolerant. He added that the matter will be prosecuted under U.S. law and could set a precedent for global aviation accountability.

The NTSB report revealed that the radar altimeter issue was identified earlier during a repositioning flight but was not resolved before the fatal journey, raising questions about the operator’s commitment to safety compliance.