Investigation Links August 6 Helicopter Crash to Weather Condition
Investigation has cited environmental conditions over high terrain as the cause of the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and left due to downdraft,” Aircraft Accident Investigator Captain Paul Forjoe announced of the Z-9 EH helicopter while presenting the report on November 11, 2025.
According to him, the loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch altitude is consistent with downdraft, which is associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.
Sequence of Crash
The said flight, according to the report, while approaching Obuasi, experienced rapid visibility deterioration due to mist and low clouds.
“At 9:56, the crew entered Instrument Meteorological Condition ( IMC)- diffuse clouds and transitioned to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which is navigated on the aircraft’s instruments,” it was narrated.
He further recounted how the crew initiated a climb to cross terrain.
“Seconds before impact, the crew stated that they could see the high ground below, so they got over it. Sadly, thereafter, the helicopter that was flying up without any change in its power or in the pitch lost height and impacted a ridge line at about 70ft above sea level.”
Crash
A GAF helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, in Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
It also claimed the lives of Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General, NADMO, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manden Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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