Investigations into the fatal microlight aircraft crash at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) Day Care School in Tema Community One are progressing steadily, with a final report expected by May 29, authorities have confirmed.
The (AIB Ghana) says it has completed the preliminary phase of the probe and is awaiting key inputs, including autopsy results, to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the Commissioner of AIB Ghana, , explained that the update was in line with legal requirements and international aviation standards.
“This is not the final report. We are satisfying the requirement of our law that says that after 30 days, if the final report is not ready, we should make the progress known to the public,” he stated.
He emphasised that the investigation is not meant to assign blame but to uncover lessons and recommend safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
Multi-agency investigation
The Investigator-in-Charge, , disclosed that a team of investigators and observers has been constituted, with support from the .
Italy, where the aircraft was manufactured, has also appointed a representative and adviser to assist in the investigation.
According to Captain Forjoe, the team is relying on multiple sources of evidence, including drone footage, CCTV recordings, eyewitness accounts, radar data, air traffic control transcripts, and technical records of the aircraft and crew.
Flight path and technical concerns
Preliminary findings show the aircraft departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. After refuelling, a local circuit flight was conducted during which white smoke was observed from the engine.
Shortly after take-off on a subsequent flight, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control requesting a return to Ho due to technical concerns, later identified as possible overheating. However, a visual inspection reportedly did not reveal any obvious defect.
Final moments before crash
About 30 minutes after the inspection, the aircraft departed again for Accra at 1337 UTC. Radar data later showed it descending to unusually low altitudes as it approached Tema.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft flew low over the Oninku School Park, with attempts made to signal children to vacate the area for an emergency landing.
Moments later, the aircraft crashed, sparking a fire that was quickly contained by emergency responders. Despite efforts to manage the situation, both occupants of the aircraft sustained fatal injuries.
Authorities say the final report will provide a comprehensive account of the incident, including its causes and recommendations to enhance aviation safety.
