Full Report – On How the August 6 Helicopter Crash Happened In Ghana.

The inquiry committee has presented a comprehensive report on the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash in Ghana, clarifying the weather conditions, aircraft condition, and the series of events that culminated in the disaster.

The committee’s findings indicate that the Harbin Z-9EH helicopter, identified by tail number GHF 631 and callsign IHRI, was tasked with a Ministry of Defence mission. The flight was planned to leave Accra at 8:00 a.m. and reach Obuasi in 50 minutes

However, the captain delayed take-off due to poor weather conditions in Accra, Kumasi, and Obuasi. The aircraft eventually took off at 9:12 a.m. under marginal weather conditions.

Throughout the flight, the crew adjusted altitude several times to avoid low clouds. Weather reports indicated mist and low visibility across southern Ghana. In Accra, visibility ranged between 5 and 7 kilometres, with clouds as low as 700 feet. Conditions were worse in Kumasi, where drizzle reduced visibility to about 4 kilometres, and thick clouds sat between 600 and 900 feet.

There was limited weather information available along the flight route, and witnesses in the Brofoyedru area reported fog and rain around the time of the crash. Investigators noted that rapid changes in environmental conditions over the terrain could have caused turbulence and downdrafts.

The aircraft was declared serviceable before departure and confirmed to be in good working condition by flight data records.

The report indicated that the helicopter was missing crucial safety features, such as a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), sophisticated terrain-mapping navigation, and an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS). The committee indicated that lacking these systems might have diminished situational awareness while flying.

The flight took off from Accra with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) but faced marginal weather during the journey. During the majority of the journey—roughly 90 nautical miles of the 100-mile voyage—conditions stayed under control. At 9:56 a.m., the team encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and shifted to flying by instruments.

Just before impact, the crew reported seeing elevated terrain beneath. Moments later, the helicopter descended in altitude with no alteration in engine power or pitch angle. It hit a ridgeline at a height of 1,370 feet above sea level, roughly 6.5 miles from its target, at about 9:58 a.m

All eight people on board, including senior government officials and military personnel, died in the crash.

The committee has since recommended urgent upgrades to the Ghana Air Force’s fleet, including acquiring aircraft equipped with modern safety and navigation systems to enhance flight safety and prevent future tragedies.

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