The committee investigating the August 6 helicopter crash has dismissed claims of a mid-air explosion, confirming that the blast occurred only after the aircraft struck the ground.
Presenting the findings in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, the committee chair, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, stated that the crash resulted from a sudden loss of altitude and lift caused by a powerful downdraft.
He noted that while the helicopter lacked certain modern safety systems, their absence was not a factor in the accident.
“If these additional safety enhancements had been available, the Air Force would certainly have welcomed them, as they improve safety for our dignitaries. However, it would be inaccurate to claim that the lack of such systems caused the crash,” Captain Forjoe explained.
He also clarified that there was no explosion in mid-air.
“The Z-9 helicopter’s fuel tank is located beneath the passenger compartment. The aircraft was fully fuelled, so the explosion occurred only upon ground impact,” he added.
The investigative committee, established shortly after the incident, was tasked with determining the causes of the crash and recommending measures to prevent future accidents. The inquiry examined technical, operational, and environmental factors.
The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed Accra around 9:12 a.m. for an anti-illegal-mining operation in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, before losing radar contact and crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
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