Accra, April 17, – Investigators probing the microlight aircraft crash at a daycare centre in Tema have revealed that the pilot did not communicate any emergency situation to Air Traffic Control before attempting an unscheduled landing, which ended in a fatal crash.
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB Ghana) disclosed this at a press briefing on Friday, noting that early findings suggest the aircraft was already experiencing operational difficulties before the accident.
Captain Paul Forjoe, who is leading the investigation, said eyewitnesses observed the aircraft flying at unusually low altitude over Tema, with attempts made to alert children on a school field to clear the area ahead of an emergency landing attempt.
According to him, the aircraft later went into a left bank during the landing approach and subsequently lost control before crashing into the ground.
The microlight aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, went down on March 16, 2026, at the premises of the TMA Day Care Centre near Oninku Drive Basic School in Tema Community One, killing the two occupants on board. No casualties were recorded on the ground.
Captain Forjoe said radar data showed the aircraft was tracked within the Accra airspace corridor, descending from about 3,400 feet to nearly 100 feet at various points prior to the crash.
He stressed that there was no record of any distress call or emergency declaration made to air traffic controllers.
The investigation indicates the aircraft had earlier operated a flight from Accra to Ho without incident but developed technical concerns afterwards.
At Ho, after refuelling with 20 litres of fuel, white smoke was observed from the engine during taxiing following a local circuit flight. The pilot reportedly noted engine overheating, requested a return, carried out checks, and later resumed flight toward Accra.
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire, leaving it beyond repair.
AIB Ghana said the aircraft, originally registered in 1996, was transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001 and later returned to private ownership in 2022, after which it underwent maintenance and regulatory certification.
It also held valid flight test and ferry permits issued in March 2026 for its relocation and testing operations.
The Bureau said the investigation, which began on March 17, is ongoing and is awaiting autopsy results and further technical analysis before final conclusions are reached.
Commissioner of AIB Ghana, Mr John Wumborti, said the preliminary report was issued within the mandatory 30-day reporting window and should not be interpreted as final findings.
He added that a comprehensive final report, including safety recommendations, is expected by May 29, 2026.
He emphasised that the purpose of the investigation is to improve aviation safety and prevent recurrence, not to assign blame.
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