Beasley Firm Secures $11.75 Million Settlement in Fatal Helicopter Crash

The Beasley Firm is proud to announce an $11.75 million settlement on behalf of the families of victims killed in a fatal helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near Halloran Springs, California. The settlement reflects accountability for a tragedy rooted in preventable pilot negligence. Attorney Lane Jubb served as lead trial counsel for the Wigwe family.

A Preventable Tragedy

On the night of February 9, 2024, an Airbus EC130 B4 helicopter operated by Orbic Air LLC departed Palm Springs International Airport. The flight was chartered to transport passengers to Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada. All aboard were killed when the aircraft crashed in a remote stretch of San Bernardino County, near the Mojave National Preserve.

Among those who perished were Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank PLC, one of Nigeria's largest and most respected financial institutions; Chizi Wigwe, a rising investment professional at AFC Capital Partners; and Doreen Wigwe, founder of Craneburg Construction, one of Nigeria's leading construction companies. The crash also claimed the life of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group and Managing Partner of the prominent Lagos business law firm Chris Ogunbanjo LP. Both the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families were profoundly impacted by the loss of their loved ones.

A Pattern of Negligence and Regulatory Violations

The investigation, supported by NTSB factual reports and a team of five world-class aviation experts, revealed multiple compounding failures by Orbic Air and its pilots:

• Flying into instrument conditions without authorization. The helicopter was certified only for VFR operations. Despite the deteriorating weather conditions, with rain, snow, low clouds, and drastically reduced visibility, the pilots pressed on into IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) rather than diverting or turning back.
• Inoperable radar altimeter, a known equipment defect. The radar altimeter was reported inoperative before departure. Federal regulations under 14 CFR Section 135.160 require an operable radio altimeter. Orbic Air's own operations specifications prohibited flying without one.
• Inadequate pilot experience. The pilot in command had logged only 46.2 flight hours in the EC130 model. With limited flight time, they were minimally qualified to handle an inadvertent IMC event.
• Spatial disorientation leading to terrain impact. Flight data showed the aircraft begin a shallow right turn and gradual descent away from Interstate 15. In deteriorating visibility, the pilot lost situational awareness. The wreckage pattern was consistent with a high-energy, low-angle impact characteristic of a pilot who could not see the ground until the final moments.

An eyewitness driving a semi-truck on I-15 reported seeing aircraft lights followed by a fireball, describing conditions as heavily raining with very low clouds. First responders confirmed icy, rainy, and low-visibility conditions upon reaching the crash site.

Building the Case: A World-Class Expert Team

To build the strongest possible case, the plaintiffs' team assembled five highly credentialed aviation safety and accident reconstruction experts:

• Donald Sommer, P.E. Accident reconstructionist with 50+ years in the field and 16,000 hours as pilot-in-command. Investigated TWA Flight 800, United Flight 232, and hundreds of other aviation accidents.
• Richard Wartman, P.E. Professional engineer and former instructor at the Navy's School of Aviation Safety. Performed the structural certification of Marine One, the Presidential helicopter.
• Colonel William Lawrence. Combat and experimental helicopter test pilot, graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Over 4,000 flight hours across 120 aircraft types and 50+ years of helicopter experience.
• Rodney Doss. Former FAA Aviation Safety Inspector who performed the certification of Air Force One. Decades of regulatory oversight and audit experience across major commercial operators.
• Lee Coffman. Certified A&P mechanic with FAA Inspection Authorization and 50+ years of aviation maintenance leadership. Holds pilot certifications with experience across 75+ aircraft models.

The complexity of this case required experienced experts, and a legal team willing to invest what was necessary to retain them. That commitment to preparation, long before any courtroom, is what put the plaintiffs' in a position to achieve the best possible outcome.

Pilot and Trial Attorney

Beasley Firm attorney Lane Jubb served as lead trial counsel for the Wigwe family. Jubb, a licensed pilot, oversaw the complex, multi-expert investigation, managed the coordination of international client relationships, and helped develop the litigation strategy that ultimately produced this result. His work reflects The Beasley Firm's commitment to thorough, relentless advocacy for families who have suffered catastrophic losses.

Justice Across Borders

This case is not the first time The Beasley Firm's aviation team has pursued justice internationally for African families. The firm is also handling a 2019 fatal helicopter crash in Kenya, in which a Bell 505X helicopter crashed into Lake Turkana's Central Island shortly after takeoff, killing all five people on board. Our aviation attorneys are available to represent clients nationwide and internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be held liable in a fatal helicopter crash?

Liability can fall on the operator, individual pilots, the aircraft manufacturer, maintenance providers, or brokers who arranged the flight. An employer is vicariously liable for its pilots' negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. A thorough investigation and expert support is essential to identify all responsible parties.

What types of damages are available in a wrongful death aviation case?

Families may pursue both economic damages (lost income, earning capacity, financial support) and non-economic damages (loss of companionship, emotional suffering).

What is the statute of limitations for an aviation wrongful death claim?

The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim arising from an aviation accident varies by state and depends on several factors, including where the crash occurred, who the defendants are, and which legal theories apply. In most states, families have between one and three years from the date of death to file a claim, but exceptions exist that can shorten or extend that window. In cases involving federal contractors, government entities, or international parties, additional rules may apply. Because these deadlines are strict and missing one can permanently bar a family's right to recover, it is critical to consult with an aviation attorney as early as possible, ideally before any deadline questions arise. The sooner an investigation begins, the stronger the case.

Can a U.S. attorney represent a family from another country?

Yes. The Beasley Firm has extensive experience representing international families in U.S. aviation litigation.

Have You Lost a Loved One in an Aviation Accident?

If your family has been affected by a helicopter or airplane crash, The Beasley Firm's aviation attorneys are ready to help. We handle aviation accident cases across the world, with a legal team that includes attorneys with piloting experience and a track record of results against helicopter operators, aircraft manufacturers, and the U.S. government.

Contact us today at (215) 866-2424 or through our contact form to speak with a member of our aviation team.