Helicopter Crash Investigative Committee Report
The investigative committee probing the tragic August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash has confirmed the cause was a powerful weather phenomenon. After a comprehensive inquiry, the committee concluded that the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a severe downdraft. This official finding, presented in a public briefing, provides long-awaited answers to the nation regarding the accident that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including senior government officials.
Poor Environmental Conditions
Captain (Rtd) Paul Fordjour, a key member of the investigative team, detailed the final report. He explained that the ill-fated flight encountered abrupt changes in environmental conditions while navigating high terrain near its destination. “The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” Captain Fordjour stated. This specific loss of altitude, occurring without a change in power or pitch, is a known characteristic of such dangerous wind conditions.
Helicopter Was Fit To Fly
The aircraft involved was a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9EH helicopter, which was confirmed to be airworthy at the time of the helicopter crash. Captain Paul Fordjour, Head of Investigations at Ghana’s Aircraft Investigations Bureau, clarified that while the helicopter met basic safety standards, it lacked modern avionics. Critical systems like terrain awareness and warning equipment or an automatic flight control system, which could have aided the pilots, were not installed on the aircraft, increasing operational risks in challenging weather.
Pilots And Crew Were Fully Qualified
Further findings absolved the flight crew of error. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure, human mistake, or medical impairment. The pilots were fully qualified, well-rested, and had conducted professional pre-flight checks. As the helicopter approached Obuasi under deteriorating visibility, the crew switched to instrument flight rules. Moments before impact, they reported sighting high ground, but were overcome by the downdraft, leading to the tragic helicopter crash into a ridgeline.
Systematic Failure In National Aviation Framework
The committee’s report also exposed broader systemic issues within the national aviation framework. It highlighted inadequate real-time weather services, a lack of simulator training for pilots, and the absence of advanced flight-tracking systems. In response, the AIB Ghana has issued key recommendations, urging the government to invest in aircraft with advanced safety systems, establish better navigational aids, and modernize the country’s flight data monitoring capabilities.
Unfortunate Weather Related Accident
Ultimately, the helicopter crash was classified as an unfortunate weather-related accident. The committee expressed hope that its thorough report would bring closure to the families of the victims and the nation. The implementation of its safety recommendations is seen as a crucial step toward preventing similar tragedies and enhancing the overall safety of military and national aviation operations in Ghana
