By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Head of Investigations at the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and member of the investigation committee into the August 6 helicopter crash, Captain Paul Fordjour, has stated that the captain on duty that day was fully competent to fly the helicopter.
Presenting the report on the helicopter crash on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Captain Fordjour stated that according to the report, any potential human causes were ruled out since they examined the qualifications, experience, and competence of the crew.
According to him, the captain had a postgraduate certificate in Safety and Accident Investigation from Cranfield University, UK, in 2024. He was also a qualified FAA Commercial and Instrument-rated pilot from Bristow Academy, Florida, USA, in April 2015.
Within the Ghana Air Force (GHAF), he was recategorized in March 2025 as a Category C pilot (Qualified Captain) on the Z9-EH helicopter with a Green Instrument rating.
The crash, which occurred on August 6, 2025, involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter and claimed the lives of eight passengers, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
According to Captain Fordjour, “We examined the medical and psychological records of the crew. A review of medical and personal records revealed no known medical or psychological conditions in the captain, co-pilot, or technician at the time of the flight.”
He added that, “All three were described by witnesses as calm, prepared, and professional during pre-flight activities. Fatigue or medication was not considered to have materially affected their performance on the day of the flight.”
Captain Fordjour also revealed the cause of the accident to be a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft. The report was requested by the President, John Dramani Mahama.
