Flight risk assessment ought to have flagged a higher risk in the helicopter crash that killed the former group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, in February 2024, says the Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Alex Badeh.

The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently concluded its investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Wigwe, his wife, son and three other passengers who were in the helicopter.

On Wednesday, the NSIB released a statement signed by its director of public affairs and family assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, where the board’s DG identified the probable cause of the crash.

According to Oladeji, Badeh identified the probable cause as spatial disorientation and lapses in the company’s oversight and safety management processes.

“There were systemic issues, and the flight risk assessment should have indicated a higher risk. While it’s easy to blame the pilot, there is a system behind the pilot that should have mitigated these risks,” Badeh revealed.

Away from the helicopter crash, Badeh further noted that is now the sole agency for investigating accidents in air, rail, road, and maritime transport in Nigeria.

He added that the board is developing necessary frameworks, including maritime investigation regulations, training manuals, investigation procedure policies, and manuals to ensure they discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.