Tema: The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB Ghana) has attributed the March 16 microlight aircraft crash at a daycare centre in Tema to engine failure caused by overheating. The Bureau stated that the engine likely failed during the return flight from Ho to Accra, preventing the pilot from identifying a suitable landing area before the crash.
According to Ghana News Agency, Captain Paul Forjoe, the Investigator-in-Charge, presented the findings of the final investigative report in Accra on Tuesday. He highlighted that the aircraft had a history of engine overheating, and earlier warning signs had not been adequately addressed. The microlight aircraft, registration 9G-ADV, crashed within the premises of the TMA Day Care Centre near Oninku Drive Basic School in Tema Community One, resulting in the deaths of the two occupants on board, though no casualties occurred on the ground.
The report identified contributory factors, including the pilot's failure to address earlier engine malfunctions and distractions from persistent mobile phone use during flight. Additionally, the pilot's seating position in the rear seat limited access to critical instruments and switches. Investigators found that all three flights conducted from Ho Airport on the day of the crash lacked valid permits.
Despite being licensed and qualified, the pilot occupied the rear seat during all three flights, while non-pilots were in the front pilot seat, contrary to permit conditions. The report noted that the aircraft had no designated maintenance facility or personnel for its upkeep, and no maintenance records existed between January 14, 2026, and the crash on March 16, during which 15 flights were conducted.
Captain Forjoe mentioned that white smoke had been observed emanating from the aircraft engine after an earlier local flight at Ho, but no known maintenance action was taken. The pilot's awareness of the white smoke and the history of engine overheating should have been ample warning of a potential engine failure. The pilot experienced engine overheating again during another flight and conducted only a visual inspection before continuing to Accra.
Investigators also established that the pilot used his personal cell phone during critical stages of the flight, even sending a photograph of the cockpit instrument panel showing engine overheating about 25 minutes before the crash. Captain Forjoe noted that the pilot's personal texting activities were a possible source of distraction.
The report stated that no distress call or emergency declaration was made before the accident. Witnesses observed the pilot attempting to signal children playing at the Oninku School Park to vacate the field for an emergency landing. However, the children misunderstood the signal and continued playing, forcing the pilot to abort the attempt. The aircraft subsequently crashed within the daycare centre compound and burst into flames upon impact.
The Bureau recommended a review of oversight of general aviation operations by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and improved communication of flight permit conditions to air traffic control and airport managers. It also called for stricter compliance with permit conditions by aircraft operators and reminded air traffic controllers of their obligation under the law to notify AIB Ghana immediately of aircraft accidents.
Mr. John Wumborti, Commissioner of AIB Ghana, emphasized the Bureau's commitment to improving aviation safety and preventing future occurrences. He stated, "AIB Ghana has all that it takes to do any investigation. We are doing a lot of prevention, and we feel that our airspace is safe."