….Brought down by air

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has suggested that the Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter, which killed Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, and six others, was more of a skeleton in the air than a fully fitted aircraft worth its salt.

The committee that investigated the crash disclosed that a sudden and intense downdraft, a violent downward air stream, was the direct cause of the helicopter crash on 6 August 2025, which resulted in eight fatalities.

At a press briefing held inside the Jubilee House yesterday, Tuesday, 11th November, Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired pilot and lead investigator with the AIB Ghana, presented the findings of the investigation, marking the conclusion of the technical phase of the inquiry.

The aviation safety expert revealed that although the Chinese helicopter with tail number GHF 631 met all basic safety requirements before the fatal crash, it lacked additional safety enhancements and, therefore, required some improvements.

It remains uncertain what will happen to the current fleet.

The Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter, manufactured in China and operated by the Ghana Air Force, went down in a forested area in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while en route from Accra to Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission.

The flight had earlier been delayed at the Air Force Base in Burma Camp, Accra, due to adverse weather and limited visibility.

“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” Captain Forjoe stated, and explained that the downdraft, an intense vertical air current moving downward, overpowered the helicopter’s rotors, causing a sudden and uncontrollable loss of lift.

“This loss of altitude without change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,” he added.

“We also assessed the aircraft to see if it was for the purpose, he added. It met all the basic safety requirements,…the helicopter was in good condition and met all safety requirements.”

“Acquire modern aircraft with TAWS/EGPWS and modern navigation systems. Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training, contract certified aviation weather provider,” the Committee recommended.

The investigators asked the Air Force to “acquire modern aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems and advanced navigation systems”.

“Equip aircraft with voice recorders and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders”, “Invest in simulators for recurrent training and contract certified aviation experts” and “Develop en route navigational aids, especially in remote areas”.

The team also asked the GAF to “Establish a flight data monitoring and en route tracking system”, and Modernise ground support equipment to enhance operational safety.

According to the final report, the downdraft occurred over elevated terrain under rapidly shifting weather conditions. Investigators ruled out pilot error or mechanical failure, confirming that the crash was purely the result of environmental forces beyond the crew’s control.

Captain Forjoe said the powerful downward air current effectively pushed the aircraft out of the sky despite the pilot maintaining correct control inputs and power settings.

The report indicated that the risks of operating helicopters over mountainous or weather-volatile regions, where sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature can produce dangerous aerodynamic effects.

“The findings reaffirm the importance of real-time weather monitoring and better forecasting tools for low-altitude aviation operations, especially over Ghana’s varied terrain,” the AIB official noted.

On August 6, 2025, the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter departed Accra at 9:12 a.m., bound for Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. The aircraft was on an anti-illegal mining mission when it disappeared from radar.

The helicopter later crashed into a forested mountainside in the Adansi Akrofuom District, killing all eight people on board.

The crash caused widespread grief across Ghana, as the nation mourned the loss of senior officials and military personnel dedicated to national service.

The AIB Ghana’s final report shifts focus away from mechanical or operational shortcomings, highlighting instead the unpredictable dangers of weather-related aviation phenomena, and the urgent need to strengthen Ghana’s weather monitoring systems for flight safety.

Captain Forjoe said the investigative team checked the crew’s qualifications and medical and psychological records.

Captain Forjoe further stated that the crew involved in the Helicopter crash had flown three flights prior to the accident.

He said the crew had 24 24-hour rest before the flight accident.

“The last 3 flights before the accident were conducted by the same crew,” he stressed.

Captain Forjoe said the investigative team checked the crew’s qualifications. They also looked at the medical and psychological records of the crew.

The final report, compiled after weeks of technical analysis and consultations, was chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak.

It incorporated input from the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation experts.

The August 6 crash remains one of Ghana’s most devastating air tragedies, prompting nationwide mourning and calls for a comprehensive safety review within the armed forces’ air operations.

The tragedy involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force.

The aircraft departed from Accra around 9:12 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region on an anti-illegal-mining mission before losing radar contact and crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.

All eight people on board lost their lives in the crash. The victims included Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chair of the NDC; and Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate.

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has said that the investigative report into the helicopter crash should put to rest all doubts about its cause.  “This should put to rest any doubts on the events on that day,” he said.

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