By: Ashiadey Dotse
A member of the investigation committee into the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash, which took the lives of eight gallant Ghanaians, Captain Paul Fordjour of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Ghana, says the helicopter involved in the accident was airworthy and met all safety requirements before the crash.
Speaking at the launch of the investigation report in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Captain Fordjour said the helicopter had undergone all necessary checks and was declared fit for flight before it took off on the day of the accident.
He explained that the aircraft, which joined the Ghana Air Force in 2015 after being manufactured in 2012, had reached its 10-year service threshold in May 2025. The Air Force, he said, requested a 90-day extension from the manufacturer, which was granted, allowing the aircraft to remain operational until August 18, 2025.
“The helicopter met all the basic safety and maintenance standards. It had passed its 100-hour inspection, and both engineers and the captain signed it off as serviceable before departure,” Captain Fordjour stated.
According to him, flight data from the accident confirmed that the aircraft’s systems were functioning properly.
“The helicopter was in good working condition. It met all airworthiness and safety requirements,” he emphasized.
Captain Fordjour, however, pointed out that while the aircraft was serviceable, it lacked some modern safety features such as the Helicopter Terrain Awareness System, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, and autopilot controls. He said these systems, though not mandatory, could have provided the pilots with better situational awareness during difficult weather conditions.
“These advanced systems would have reduced the pilots’ workload and improved navigation in poor visibility. Their absence, however, did not mean the helicopter was unsafe to fly,” he clarified.
He further noted that the crew was well-rested before the mission, having had over 24 hours of rest prior to the flight, and had operated within their flight hour limits as set by the Ghana Air Force.
He stated that poor weather conditions, including low clouds and fog, were factors that contributed to the accident, which severely reduced visibility during the flight.
