The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has disclosed that pilot distraction caused by persistent mobile phone communication contributed to the fatal microlight aircraft crash in Tema that claimed the lives of two brothers.
The Bureau’s final investigation report, presented on Tuesday, May 26, identified engine failure as the primary cause of the accident, while pilot-related actions and poor maintenance practices also played significant roles.
Speaking during the presentation, the Head of Investigation at AIB Ghana, Captain Paul Fordjour, said evidence gathered during the probe pointed to both mechanical and human factors behind the tragedy.
“Our findings indicate that engine failure was the probable cause of the accident, with pilot actions also contributing to the incident,” he stated.
Captain Fordjour further disclosed that the pilot became distracted during the flight due to repeated phone communication.
“There was a distraction due to persistent communication on the cell phone,” he added.
According to the report, investigators discovered that the aircraft had suffered recurring engine overheating problems prior to the crash, but the faults were not adequately fixed before the aircraft continued operating.
The investigation revealed that during earlier flights and landings in Ho, white smoke was repeatedly observed coming from the engine — a warning sign investigators said pointed to ongoing mechanical defects.
The Bureau also described as unsafe the pilot’s decision to pour water on the overheating engine in an attempt to cool it down.
Investigators further found that the aircraft had been operating without the required flight permits, leaving Air Traffic Control (ATC) unaware of its movements and the technical difficulties it had been experiencing.
AIB Ghana said the findings expose serious lapses in aircraft maintenance, operational discipline, and adherence to aviation safety regulations.
The Bureau stressed that the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter compliance with maintenance procedures and aviation safety standards to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
