PHOTOS: US authorities visit Wigwe chopper crash site

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States has released images of the crashed helicopter that claimed the life of Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.

Wigwe’s wife, his son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), were also onboard the helicopter when it crashed in California, near Halloran Springs.

Although the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, Michael Graham, NTSB board member, said witness reports suggested rain and wintry weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Graham said the team was “methodically and systematically reviewing all evidence”, and considering all potential factors, to determine the probable cause of the crash.

He added that the NTSB would look into the chopper’s airworthiness, maintenance and structure of the helicopter, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control.

The NTSB board member also said officials would visit the site on Monday to begin documentation of the on-scene investigations, which would include aerial mapping of the wreckage with a drone and site measurements.

On Tuesday, the NTSB released pictures of investigators on the crash site.

The photographs showed a significant part of the chopper charred beyond recognition, while some parts were scattered across the deserted terrain.

Investigators could be seen inspecting parts of the aircraft.