The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has revealed that persistent mobile phone communication during flight contributed to the fatal microlight aircraft crash in Tema that claimed two lives.
According to the Bureau’s final investigation report, the primary cause of the crash was engine failure linked to poor maintenance practices. However, investigators also identified pilot distraction as a contributing factor.
Presenting the report on Tuesday, May 26, the Bureau’s Head of Investigation, Paul Fordjour, said evidence gathered during the probe pointed to both mechanical failure and human error.
“Our findings indicate that engine failure was the probable cause of the accident, with pilot actions also contributing to the incident,” he stated.
Capt. Fordjour further disclosed that investigators discovered continuous mobile phone communication during the flight, which created significant distraction for the pilot.
“There was a distraction due to persistent communication on the cell phone,” he added.
The report also revealed that the aircraft had experienced repeated engine overheating problems before the crash, yet the defects were allegedly not properly repaired before operations continued.
Investigators noted that during earlier short flights and landings in Ho, white smoke was repeatedly seen coming from the aircraft’s engine, indicating ongoing mechanical faults.
The Bureau further stated that the pilot reportedly attempted to cool the overheating engine by pouring water on it — an action investigators described as unsafe and improper.
Additionally, AIB Ghana disclosed that the aircraft had been operating without approved flight permits, meaning Air Traffic Control was unaware of its movements and technical difficulties.
The Bureau says the findings raise serious concerns about aircraft maintenance standards, operational discipline, and compliance with aviation safety regulations, stressing the need for stricter enforcement to prevent similar incidents in future.
