Poor professional maintenance practices caused the aircraft crash that claimed two lives in Tema, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has revealed.
The Bureau says the engine of the aircraft failed following repeated overheating incidents involving the aircraft.
The AIB Ghana says the engine of the microlight aircraft previously experienced engine overheating during short flights and landings in Ho, the Volta regional capital, with white smoke coming out of the engine repeatedly.
These defects, the investigators say, were not adequately addressed before subsequent flights.
According to the Bureau’s final report on the incident, the pilot resorted to cooling down the engine by pouring water on it, an action it described as unsafe and inappropriate.
The report further disclosed that no flight permits had been issued for the aircraft’s movement, leaving Air Traffic Control (ATC) unaware of its operations and history of mechanical faults.
Head of Investigation Captain Paul Fordjour, presenting the final report on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, noted that the probe findings indicate the crash was likely caused by engine failure, with the pilot’s actions during the flight also contributing to the incident.
“There was destruction due to persistent communication on the cell phone,” he added, pointing to additional human-factor concerns identified during the investigation.
2 feared dead after Skyarrow micro light helicopter crash at Oninku, Community 1 Tema
