Pilot Spatial Disorientation and Faulty Equipment Led to Fatal Helicopter Crash Killing Herbert Wigwe and Family, Says NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board has attributed the February 2024 helicopter crash that killed Herbert Wigwe, his family, and three others to pilot spatial disorientation caused by flying into instrument meteorological conditions while operating under visual flight rules.

The final report, made public in May 2025, also criticized the helicopter operator for poor safety oversight.

“The probable cause of this accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control,” the NTSB report reads. The crash occurred near the California-Nevada border on February 9, 2024, killing all six onboard, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

The report highlighted that the radar altimeter was known to be malfunctioning before the flight. Although a mechanic attempted troubleshooting, the problem remained unresolved. Both the pilot and director of maintenance were aware of the issue but proceeded with the flight. The pilot and flight follower did not communicate about the altimeter’s status or weather conditions before takeoff.

The helicopter company was faulted for failing to ensure pilots conducted required flight risk analyses and adhered to maintenance protocols, contributing to the accident.