August 6 Helicopter Crash: Aircraft Lacked Avionic Safety Enhancements- Report
An investigative report has found that the Z-9 EH helicopter that was involved in the August 6 crash lacked some avionic safety enhancements.
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigator, Captain Paul Forjoe, the safety enhancements included a Terrain awareness system, also known as an enhanced ground proximity warning system, advanced navigation with terrain mapping and an automatic flight control system.
“This safety equipment would have enhanced situational awareness. For instance, it didn’t have an autopilot, which means the crew had to manually handle the plane, so it sort of increases workload.”
That notwithstanding, he confirmed, “the aircraft was in a good condition to fly and met all safety requirements.”
Meanwhile, he said the investigation committee had recommended that aircraft enhancements be acquired immediately for the Air Force.
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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