Weather conditions cause of August 6 helicopter crash – Committee

Investigators have confirmed that adverse weather conditions were responsible for the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that claimed several lives.

At a much-anticipated press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, officials disclosed that the Ghana Air Force helicopter went down after encountering a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a downdraft, a powerful downward movement of air often associated with unstable weather patterns over high terrain.

“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” the report stated. “This loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with a downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.”

The findings align with earlier indications from aviation experts that the aircraft, a Harbin Z-9EH (tail number GHF 631), likely encountered rapidly shifting weather conditions while flying over a hilly area between Obuasi and Bekwai.

The helicopter had departed from Accra at about 09:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi but lost radar contact before crashing.

All eight occupants perished, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice‑Chair Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The report found no evidence of engine failure or pilot error, stressing that the aircraft’s systems functioned normally until it was overwhelmed by the sudden atmospheric change.

The report was officially submitted to President John Mahama yesterday ahead of today’s publication.