A US aviation lawyer, Robert Clifford, has raised concerns about the helicopter crash that took the lives of Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Holdings, and others in California.
Clifford, known for his involvement in aviation accidents, emphasized that flying in bad weather conditions might have contributed to the tragedy.
“The crash of the helicopter that killed six people, including a top Nigerian banker and his family, immediately strikes one as a tragedy that may have been avoided given the known weather conditions at that time,” Clifford stated.
Clifford, who represented victims in the Boeing 737 MAX8 crash in Ethiopia, questioned the decision to take off in difficult weather.
READ ALSO: Just In: Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe Dies In California Helicopter Crash
He expressed hope that the ongoing investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would provide clarity on whether the crash could have been prevented.
“The NTSB investigators will thoroughly examine all aspects of what led up to the crash and ultimately determine the probable cause,” Clifford said.
Meanwhile, the NTSB has begun its investigation, including gathering pilot records and aircraft maintenance records. The agency also urged the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate retrofitting airplanes with cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders to prevent crucial data loss during accidents.
In Lagos, prominent figures, including Enoch Adeboye and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the family of the deceased banker to offer condolences. Herbert Wigwe was remembered as a dedicated individual who impacted lives positively.
As investigations continue into the crash, questions remain about the decision-making process and the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.