The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has determined that a sudden and powerful downdraft was responsible for the catastrophic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives in Ghana.
This final technical finding closes a critical chapter of the investigation, focusing on the volatile environmental forces at play over high terrain at the time of the incident.
The confirmation was provided by Captain Paul Forjoe, Investigator and Retired Pilot with the AIB Ghana, during a briefing on Tuesday, November 11, at the Jubilee House.
According to Captain Forjoe, the investigation revealed that the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude and lift was caused by a severe downdraft a strong vertical current of air moving downward. Such a force can rapidly overpower a helicopter’s rotors, drastically reducing lift and stability.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” said Captain Forjoe.
“This loss of altitude without change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.”
The report emphasizes that the incident occurred without any pilot error or mechanical failure, underscoring the uncontrollable nature of the weather phenomenon.
The findings shift the focus of the tragedy away from human or technical failure, highlighting instead the overwhelming impact of adverse weather conditions on aviation safety particularly over mountainous or rapidly changing terrain.
The loss of eight lives serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks of flying in unstable weather and the importance of continuous vigilance and improved forecasting for aviation operations.
