Probe into Tema microlight aircraft crash advances as final report set for May 29

Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau announced that a final report is expected by May 29 regarding the fatal microlight aircraft crash at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) Day Care School at Tema Community One. The Bureau said it had completed the preliminary phase of the probe and was awaiting critical inputs, including autopsy findings, to determine the exact causes and contributory factors of the accident. At a press briefing in Accra, the Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, explained that the update was issued in line with both national law and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements.

A formal team comprising five investigators and three observers had been constituted, with additional support from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, which assigned two focal persons to assist. Italy has also designated an accredited representative and an adviser to participate in the investigation. The team relied on multiple data sources, including drone footage, eyewitness accounts, CCTV recordings, air traffic control transcripts, radar data, and technical records relating to the aircraft and its crew. The aircraft departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. The pilot and his younger brother refuelled the aircraft with 20 litres of RON 95 fuel for the return journey.

A local circuit flight was conducted with a third person occupying the pilot's seat, after which "white smoke was observed emanating from the engine as the aircraft taxied to its parking position". The pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested clearance to return to Ho Airport due to technical concerns. The aircraft took off again at 1337 UTC for Accra. Radar data later showed it flying at varying altitudes between 3,400 feet and 100 feet as it approached the capital. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over Tema and attempting to signal children playing on the Oninku School Park to vacate