Fatal Helicopter Crash In California Could Have Been Avoided- US Aviation Lawyer

Robert Clifford, a prominent aviation lawyer based in the United States, has asserted that the tragic helicopter crash in California last Friday, which resulted in the deaths of Access Holdings’ Group CEO Herbert Wigwe and other notable Nigerians, might have been preventable.

The crash claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, his son Chizi, and former Nigerian Stock Exchange Chairman Abimola Ogunbanjo. The Airbus Helicopter EC130B4, carrying six occupants, including two crew members, crashed near the California-Nevada border.

Clifford’s remarks, made in a press statement posted on Clifford Law Offices’ website, coincide with the ongoing investigation led by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators have already transferred the wreckage to a different location for detailed analysis, with a preliminary report expected in four weeks.

In his statement, Clifford highlighted the adverse weather conditions at the time of the crash and questioned the decision-making process that led to the flight taking off. He expressed optimism that the NTSB investigation would reveal whether the crash could have been prevented.

The NTSB has initiated a comprehensive investigation, gathering vital information including pilot records, flight dispatch records, and aircraft maintenance records. While a preliminary report is anticipated within four weeks, a full investigation could take 12 to 24 months.

During a press conference, NTSB Board Member Michael Graham acknowledged the challenging weather conditions reported by witnesses at the time of the crash. He emphasized the need for accurate weather data to determine the cause.

Despite the tragedy, the NTSB’s attention has also been drawn to aviation safety measures. In a recent statement, the NTSB urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to mandate the retrofitting of existing airplanes with enhanced cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, citing incidents where crucial data was overwritten, hampering investigations.

The proposed upgrade aims to ensure that crucial information is preserved, allowing investigators to thoroughly understand the circumstances of aviation accidents and improve safety standards.