The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has announced that the final report on the fatal Tema microlight aircraft crash is set for release today, May 26.

Speaking during a press address earlier today, ahead of the official release of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) report, Commissioner John Mmeb Kunyan Wumborti indicated that his outfit has finalised all extensive work on the case and is ready to present its final findings.

According to him, the investigation team has done an excellent and detailed work into finding the major events leading to the crash and all matters relating to it.

“We have done diligent work. We have gone into all lengths to find out what really happened, and so we are going to bring out the factual information that we gathered. The analysis that we have done with the factual information and everything that we have done, we are going to let you know,” he indicated.

He further disclosed that the Bureau will not only present the findings from its investigations but will also outline recommendations intended to improve aviation safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

“And also, we have some recommendations that we will let the public know. There were a few things that we needed and that were really delayed. Like the autopsy reports and other things that we are waiting for. We haven’t gotten them, but we have to go ahead.”

Release to released ahead of schedule

The report’s release on May 26 comes three days ahead of the previously announced publication date of May 29, which investigators had indicated during their last public engagement.

This was announced by the Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) Ghana, John Wumborti, during a press briefing held in Accra on Friday, April 17. He explained that the briefing was in line with both national law and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements, which mandate that the Bureau update the public on the progress of an investigation if the final report is not ready within 30 days of an incident.

“This is not the final report. We are satisfying the requirement of our law that says that after 30 days, if the final report is not ready, we should make the progress known to the public,” he said.

He added that the initial phase of the investigation had been completed. Still, they were awaiting critical inputs, including autopsy results, to determine the exact causes and contributory factors of the accident.

On the AIB’s part, the probe is not to point fingers at anyone but to identify shortfalls and propose safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

Incidents before the crash, movements of the aircraft

According to Captain Forjoe, the microlight departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. The deceased, the pilot and his younger brother refuelled the aircraft with 20 litres of RON 95 fuel for the return journey after a brief stop.

He said a local circuit flight was conducted with a third person occupying the pilot’s seat, after which “white smoke was observed emanating from the engine as the aircraft taxied to its parking position”.

Just about 15 minutes later, the aircraft taxied again for take-off, however this time, the pilot’s brother was the one who occupied the pilot’s seat. Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested clearance to return to Ho Airport due to technical concerns.

The aircraft later landed and the pilot detected overheating as the issue and conducted a visual inspection of the engine.

“The pilot indicated that the coolant reservoir level was satisfactory and no further defect was identified during this inspection,” Captain Forjoe said.

Final moments before the crash

Approximately 30 minutes later, the aircraft took off again at 1337 UTC for Accra. Radar data later showed it flying at varying altitudes between 3,400 feet and 100 feet as it approached the capital.

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over Tema and attempting to signal children playing in the Oninku School Park to vacate the area for an emergency landing.

The aircraft subsequently crashed, triggering a post-impact fire. Emergency responders quickly contained the flames, limiting damage to parts of the school grounds and the roof of a building. However, both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Captain Forjoe noted that there was no record of the crew declaring an emergency or informing ATC of plans to land in Tema.

“We continue to pray for the families of those who lost their lives that fateful day. We trust that the final report and its safety recommendations will help prevent a recurrence,” he said.

Aircraft history and maintenance

The aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, was first registered in Ghana in 1996 and initially operated by the Sankofa Aeroclub at Afienya. It was later transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001 before being returned to its owner in 2022.

Since then, it has undergone several maintenance checks and inspections approved by the GCAA. Its engine was replaced in December 2022, followed by the issuance of a Permit to Fly.

The most recent major maintenance check was conducted on December 31, 2025, with a subsequent GCAA inspection on January 14, 2026.

Captain Forjoe said a Flight Test Permit (ADV230) issued in January 2026 expired on January 26, while subsequent permits (ADV235 and ADV236), issued on March 9, 2026, authorised the aircraft’s relocation from Accra to Ho and expired on March 21, 2026.