Committee attributes August 6 helicopter crash to loss of altitude, lift

The committee investigating the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives including two ministers of state, has released its report, citing a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft among the contributing factors.

The tragedy occurred while the helicopter was on official duty, resulting in the deaths of the ministers, along with accompanying staff and security personnel.

The investigative team highlighted that preliminary assessments indicate a mix of mechanical and environmental factors, with the abrupt downdraft significantly destabilizing the aircraft.

The loss of altitude and lift was sudden, leaving the pilot with very little chance to regain control.

“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” the report stated. “This loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with a downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.”

The committee’s report seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.