BY Grace Zigah
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has concluded that the fatal microlight aircraft crash at the TMA Day Care School in Tema Community One on March 16, 2026 was most likely caused by engine failure resulting from overheating.
According to investigators, the aircraft lost power at a dangerously low altitude, leaving the pilot with insufficient time and space to identify and execute a safe emergency landing before the aircraft crashed within the school premises.
Presenting the final report at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, May 26, the Investigator-in-Charge, Captain Paul Forjoe, confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified to operate the Sky Arrow 650T microlight aircraft, registered 9G-ADV.
The crash claimed two brothers on board- Frank Amoaning Donkor and Elijah Ofori Donkor, children of Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor, founder of Hebron Prayer Camp.
However, the investigation uncovered multiple operational, regulatory and safety breaches linked to the aircraft’s activities on the day of the accident.
Captain Forjoe disclosed that on all three flights conducted from Ho Airport on March 16, the pilot occupied the rear seat of the aircraft while his friend and brother sat in the front pilot’s seat.
Investigators said this arrangement violated the conditions attached to the aircraft’s permits and significantly restricted the pilot’s access to critical flight instruments, warning systems and control switches.
The Bureau further established that all three flights conducted from Ho Airport that day were unauthorized because the aircraft did not possess valid permits for those operations.
According to the report, the aircraft only had a test flight permit authorising operations from Accra to Accra, and a separate ferry flight permit allowing only a one-way flight from Accra to Ho.
Captain Forjoe explained that no authorisation had been issued for the return journey from Ho back to Accra, meaning the pilot’s decision to undertake the return flight breached regulations issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Investigators also found that both Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel and management at Accra and Ho airports were unaware of the conditions and limitations attached to the permits issued to the aircraft.
The report additionally revealed major lapses in aircraft maintenance oversight.
“There are no records available of any maintenance action on the aircraft between January 14, 2026 and the last flight of March 16, 2026, during which 15 flights were executed,” Captain Forjoe stated.
Investigators said the aircraft had no nominated maintenance facility or assigned personnel officially responsible for its upkeep and servicing.
The report also identified several warning signs that were allegedly ignored before the final flight.
According to investigators, witness accounts of white smoke emanating from the aircraft’s engine during a short 13-minute flight at Ho Airport were never properly investigated or addressed before the aircraft took off again.
The Bureau further disclosed that no distress call or emergency declaration was made by the pilot prior to the crash.
Investigators also cited distractions caused by persistent cellphone communication involving the pilot as one of the contributory factors identified during the probe.
The report further faulted Air Traffic Control authorities for failing to notify AIB Ghana about the accident as required under Section 22(1c) of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Act, 2020 (Act 1028).
As part of its recommendations, AIB Ghana urged the GCAA to strengthen regulatory oversight of general aviation operations in the country and ensure that maintenance providers for aircraft are properly documented and monitored.
The Bureau also recommended that procedures be established to ensure flight permit details issued to Ghanaian-registered aircraft are shared directly with Air Traffic Control and airport management to improve monitoring and compliance.
Additionally, AIB Ghana advised ATC personnel to strictly comply with legal requirements mandating the prompt reporting of aircraft accidents to investigators to help preserve evidence and improve future accident prevention efforts.
The Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, commended the investigation team for completing what he described as a thorough and timely investigation.
He reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to aviation safety in collaboration with the GCAA and called on all stakeholders to implement the recommendations and report progress within 90 days.
Wumborti also announced plans to introduce aviation clubs to increase public awareness and participation in aviation safety initiatives across the country.
