The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has attributed the Tema aircraft crash that claimed two lives to poor professional maintenance practices and engine failure following repeated overheating incidents involving the aircraft.
According to the Bureau, the microlight aircraft had previously experienced engine overheating during short flights and landings in Ho, with white smoke repeatedly emanating from the engine. However, investigators said the defects were not properly addressed before subsequent flights.
In its final report on the incident, the Bureau also revealed that the pilot resorted to pouring water on the engine in an attempt to cool it down — an action it described as inappropriate and unsafe.
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.
Presenting the final report on Tuesday, May 26, Head of Investigation Captain Paul Fordjour said findings from the probe indicate that engine failure was the likely cause of the crash, with pilot 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.
