ACCRA, Ghana, 11th November, 2025: The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has concluded that the tragic helicopter crash which claimed eight lives in Ghana was caused by a sudden and powerful weather disturbance.
According to the Bureau’s final report, the fatal incident resulted from an unexpected and intense downdraft a rapid downward rush of air that overwhelmed the aircraft’s ability to maintain lift and stability.
Speaking at a briefing held at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 11, Captain Paul Forjoe, an investigator and retired pilot with AIB Ghana, explained that the crash was purely weather related and not due to pilot error or mechanical failure.
“The aerodynamic failure occurred without any indication of technical malfunction or wrong control input,” Captain Forjoe said. “Even though the pilot maintained correct power and pitch attitude, the strong downward air current pushed the helicopter out of the sky, resulting in the fatal impact.”
The Bureau’s findings close the critical technical chapter of the investigation, shifting the focus away from human or mechanical causes and underscoring the dangers of volatile weather conditions, especially over elevated and mountainous terrain.
The report emphasizes the deadly interaction between fast-changing atmospheric conditions and aircraft stability, noting that even highly skilled pilots can face insurmountable challenges in the face of powerful environmental forces.
Background
On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter carrying eight passengers crashed into a forested mountainside in the Ashanti Region while en route to an event focused on combating illegal mining. All eight occupants perished.
Among those on board were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment
Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter departed Kotoka International Airport in Accra at 9:12 a.m., heading northwest toward Obuasi, a key gold-mining town in the Ashanti Region. It reportedly went off radar during the flight, and hours later, rescue teams discovered the wreckage engulfed in a post-crash fire. All occupants were found burnt beyond recognition.
The AIB Ghana’s report officially confirms that the disaster was triggered by an unexpected and uncontrollable weather event a sobering reminder of the formidable power of nature and its potential to challenge even the most experienced aviators.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭