Engine failure, poor maintenance caused fatal Tema microlight aircraft crash – Report

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has concluded that engine failure and poor maintenance practices caused the fatal microlight aircraft crash at Tema, which resulted in two deaths.

Presenting the final investigation report on Tuesday, Head of Investigation Captain Paul Fordjour said the aircraft had a history of engine overheating that was not properly resolved before it continued flying.

He explained that earlier flights in Ho recorded repeated overheating incidents, with white smoke observed coming from the engine during both flights and landings.

According to the report, maintenance work carried out on the aircraft was inadequate and failed to correct the mechanical faults, allowing the problems to persist until the crash.

Investigators also found that the pilot attempted to address the overheating by pouring water on the engine, a practice the Bureau described as unsafe and improper.

The report further indicated that the aircraft was operating without the required flight permits, meaning Air Traffic Control was not fully aware of its movements or its technical status.

Captain Fordjour said the evidence pointed primarily to engine failure as the likely cause of the crash, while also noting that certain pilot actions contributed to the accident.

He added that the investigation identified human-factor issues, including the pilot’s continued use of a mobile phone during the flight.

The Bureau emphasized the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety procedures, proper maintenance standards, and adherence to flight authorization requirements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.