The Nigerian Safety Investigative Bureau (NSIB) has publicly challenged the findings of the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of prominent Nigerian banker Herbert Wigwe, his family, and three others. The NTSB report primarily attributed the accident to “pilot disorientation” and a breach of flight protocols, specifically the decision to operate under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions. However, the NSIB contends that the pilot should not bear sole responsibility, emphasizing systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy.
The NSIB argues that a comprehensive flight risk assessment should have identified a higher level of risk, suggesting that the system surrounding the pilot failed to adequately mitigate potential hazards. While acknowledging the pilot’s errors, the NSIB insists that the focus should be expanded to encompass the broader context within which the accident occurred. This includes examining the adequacy of safety protocols, the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms, and the overall resilience of the aviation system.
The NSIB also clarifies its role in the investigation, stating that while it cooperated with the NTSB, it did not conduct a joint investigation. The Nigerian agency affirms that it was kept informed of the NTSB’s progress, being an interested party given the loss of Nigerian lives, but the investigation was primarily led by the US counterpart. This clarification underscores the distinct roles and responsibilities of the two agencies, despite their shared commitment to enhancing transportation safety.
Furthermore, the NSIB refutes the assertion by a US department that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe. The agency acknowledges existing challenges, such as issues with perimeter fencing and wildlife intrusion, but emphasizes that these are not exclusive to Nigeria and are encountered at airports worldwide. The NSIB stresses the importance of considering context and metrics before making sweeping generalizations about the safety of Nigerian airports, highlighting ongoing efforts by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to implement upgrades and improve safety measures.
Expanding on its perspective regarding airport safety, the NSIB cites a recent incident at Asaba Airport, where an aircraft encountered animals on the runway. While acknowledging the occurrence, the NSIB points out that the aircraft remained undamaged and continued its journey without further incident. The agency assures that the matter was reported to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and while not deemed significant enough to warrant reporting to the NSIB, plans are underway to engage with the private entity managing the airport to discuss and reinforce best practices for preventing similar incidents. The NSIB emphasizes the rarity of such occurrences in Nigeria, reinforcing its position on the overall safety of Nigerian airports.
In summary, the NSIB’s response to the NTSB report centers on a broader perspective on aviation safety, moving beyond simply attributing blame to the pilot. They highlight the significance of systemic factors, emphasize their collaborative yet distinct role in the investigation, and challenge generalizations about the safety of Nigerian airports. By advocating for a comprehensive approach to safety assessment and improvement, the NSIB underscores the critical need for a system-wide focus to prevent future tragedies. They argue for considering the interplay of human factors, operational procedures, regulatory oversight, and environmental conditions to create a more robust and resilient aviation environment.
