Josiah
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has concluded that engine failure and poor maintenance practices were responsible for the fatal microlight aircraft crash at Tema that claimed two lives.
Presenting the Bureau’s final report on Tuesday, Head of Investigation, Paul Fordjour, revealed that the aircraft had experienced repeated engine overheating problems prior to the crash.
According to the report, the aircraft encountered overheating issues during earlier flights and landings in Ho, where white smoke was repeatedly seen coming from the engine.
Investigators found that maintenance work carried out on the aircraft was poorly executed and failed to properly address the mechanical defects, allowing the aircraft to continue operating despite ongoing technical challenges.
The report also noted that the pilot attempted to cool the overheating engine by pouring water on it — an action the Bureau described as unsafe and inconsistent with proper aviation procedures.
Further findings revealed that the aircraft was operating without the necessary flight permits, meaning Air Traffic Control (ATC) had no knowledge of its movements or the technical problems it had previously experienced.
Captain Fordjour stated that evidence gathered during the investigation identified engine failure as the likely cause of the crash, while certain actions taken by the pilot also contributed to the accident.
The investigation additionally uncovered human-factor concerns, including the pilot’s continued use of a mobile phone during the flight.
The Bureau has therefore called for stricter compliance with aviation safety regulations, proper aircraft maintenance standards and adherence to flight authorization procedures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: Omanghana.com
