By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Chairman of the investigation committee into the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash, Captain Paul Fordjour of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Ghana, has revealed that poor visibility and low clouds forced the pilots to change altitude several times during the flight.
Addressing the media on Tuesday November 11, 2025, Captain Fordjour explained that the weather conditions on the morning of August 6 were extremely poor, with low clouds and fog reducing visibility to as little as 200 meters in some areas. This forced the pilots of the Ghana Air Force helicopter to adjust their altitude repeatedly in an attempt to avoid the dense clouds and maintain visual contact with the ground.
According to him, the flight, which was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), relied on the pilots’ ability to see the terrain for navigation. However, the worsening weather made this difficult, increasing the risk of the flight as it crossed hilly and forested areas such as the Dampare Forest Reserve.
“Throughout the flight, the pilots had to change altitude to stay clear of the clouds. The visibility was so poor that they could hardly see the ridges and terrain ahead,” Captain Fordjour said.
He added that while the weather slightly improved later in the morning, the poor conditions over southern Ghana, particularly in Accra, Obuasi, and Kumasi, delayed the flight’s take-off from 8:00 a.m. to 9:14 a.m.
The AIB report further noted that the aircraft, a Z-9 helicopter with call sign GHF 692, was declared airworthy before departure. It had passed all required safety checks, including a 100-hour maintenance inspection. The manufacturer had also granted a 90-day service extension, meaning the helicopter was still within its operational period.
Captain Fordjour, however, disclosed that the aircraft lacked some advanced safety systems such as a terrain awareness and warning system, enhanced ground proximity warning system, and autopilot controls. He said these systems could have improved the pilots’ situational awareness and reduced their workload during the difficult weather conditions.
“The absence of these safety aids increased the workload on the crew, who had to manually fly the aircraft throughout the flight,” he said.
He recommended that all Ghana Air Force helicopters be fitted with modern safety equipment to enhance flight safety and prevent future accidents.
