Pilot distraction from phone calls linked to Tema microlight aircraft crash

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) disclosed 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 crash was mainly caused by engine failure and poor maintenance practices, with pilot distraction as a contributing factor. Paul Fordjour, the Bureau's Head of Investigation, presenting the report on Tuesday, May 26, said evidence gathered during the probe pointed to both mechanical failure and human error.

Capt. Fordjour stated, "Our findings indicate that engine failure was the probable cause of the accident, with pilot actions also contributing to the incident." He further noted that investigators found persistent mobile phone communication during the flight, which created significant distraction, adding, "There was a distraction due to persistent communication on the cell phone." The report also revealed that the aircraft had experienced repeated engine overheating issues before the crash, but the defects were not properly fixed before it continued flying. Investigators said that during earlier short flights and landings in Ho, white smoke was repeatedly observed coming from the engine, pointing to ongoing mechanical faults. The pilot attempted to cool the overheating engine by pouring water on it - an action described by investigators as unsafe and improper.

AIB Ghana also found that no flight permits had been issued for the aircraft's operations, meaning Air Traffic Control (ATC) was not aware of its movements or recurring technical issues. The Bureau said the findings raise serious concerns about maintenance standards, operational discipline, and compliance with aviation safety procedures. It added that stricter enforcement of regulations is needed to prevent similar accidents in the future.