Probe into Tema microlight aircraft crash advances as final report set for May 29

Investigations into the fatal microlight aircraft crash at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly Day Care School are progressing steadily, with a final report expected by May 29, according to the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana).

The Bureau disclosed that it has completed the preliminary phase of the investigation and is currently awaiting critical inputs, including autopsy results, to establish the exact causes and contributing factors of the accident.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, explained that the update was issued in compliance with both national legal requirements and international obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“This is not the final report. We are satisfying the requirement of our law that says that after 30 days, if the final report is not ready, we should make the progress known to the public,” he stated.

He emphasised that the purpose of the investigation is not to assign blame but to identify safety lessons and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Multi-agency investigation underway

The Investigator-in-Charge, Paul Forjoe, revealed that a formal investigative team comprising five investigators and three observers has been constituted. The team is being supported by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, which has assigned two focal persons to assist with the probe.

Additionally, Italy—the country where the aircraft was manufactured—has designated an accredited representative and an adviser to participate in the investigation, in line with international aviation protocols.

Captain Forjoe noted that investigators are relying on multiple data sources, including drone footage, eyewitness accounts, CCTV recordings, air traffic control (ATC) communications, radar data, and technical documentation relating to the aircraft and its crew.

Flight path and technical concerns

Providing details of the aircraft’s movements, Captain Forjoe said the microlight aircraft departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. After a short stay, the pilot and his younger brother refuelled the aircraft with 20 litres of RON 95 fuel in preparation for the return journey.

He further disclosed that a local circuit flight was conducted with a third individual occupying the pilot’s seat. Following this flight, “white smoke was observed emanating from the engine as the aircraft taxied to its parking position,” raising initial concerns about a possible mechanical issue.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the aircraft taxied again for take-off, with the pilot seated behind while his younger brother took the pilot’s seat. Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted ATC to request clearance to return to Ho Airport due to technical concerns.

Upon landing, the pilot reportedly identified overheating as the likely issue and conducted a visual inspection of the engine.

“The pilot indicated that the coolant reservoir level was satisfactory and no further defect was identified during this inspection,” Captain Forjoe explained.

Final moments before crash

Roughly 30 minutes later, the aircraft departed Ho Airport again at 1337 UTC, heading toward Accra. Radar data later showed the aircraft flying at fluctuating altitudes between 3,400 feet and as low as 100 feet as it approached the capital.

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over Tema and attempting to signal children playing at the Oninku School Park to clear the area, suggesting a possible attempt at an emergency landing.

The aircraft subsequently crashed at the school premises, triggering a post-impact fire. Emergency responders acted swiftly to contain the flames, limiting damage to sections of the school compound and part of a building’s roof. Despite these efforts, both occupants of the aircraft sustained fatal injuries.

Captain Forjoe noted that there was no record of the crew declaring an emergency or formally informing ATC of plans to land in Tema.

“We continue to pray for the families of those who lost their lives that fateful day. We trust that the final report and its safety recommendations will help prevent a recurrence,” he said.

Aircraft history and maintenance

The aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, was first registered in Ghana in 1996 and initially operated by the Sankofa Aeroclub at Afienya. It was later transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001 before being returned to its private owner in 2022.

Since then, it has undergone several maintenance checks and inspections approved by the GCAA. The aircraft’s engine was replaced in December 2022, after which a Permit to Fly was issued.

The most recent major maintenance check was conducted on December 31, 2025, followed by a GCAA inspection on January 14, 2026.

Captain Forjoe further disclosed that a Flight Test Permit (ADV230) issued in January 2026 expired on January 26, while subsequent permits (ADV235 and ADV236), issued on March 9, 2026, authorised the aircraft’s relocation from Accra to Ho. These permits expired on March 21, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to release a comprehensive final report outlining the definitive cause of the crash and recommendations to enhance aviation safety in Ghana.