Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
The fatal helicopter crash that killed eight persons in Ghana was caused by an unexpected and strong downdraft, according to the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana).
The final report, which focuses on the unstable environmental forces at work across high terrain, finishes the crucial technical chapter on the catastrophe.
At a briefing today, Tuesday, November 11, at the Jubilee House, Captain Paul Forjoe, an investigator and retired pilot with the AAIBG, verified the technical cause.
The investigation’s conclusion emphasizes the deadly interplay between the aircraft’s stability and quickly shifting weather patterns, especially over high altitudes.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” stated Captain Paul Forjoe.
Downdraft, a strong current of air moving vertically downward, can rapidly overpower a helicopter’s rotors, drastically reducing the effective lift being generated. The report clarified that this sudden aerodynamic failure occurred without any corresponding pilot error or mechanical failure:
“This loss of altitude without change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,” Captain Paul Forjoe explained.
This scenario shows that the powerful downward air current effectively pushed the helicopter out of the sky, resulting in the tragic accident, even though the pilot maintained the proper power and control inputs (pitch attitude).
The tragedy’s attention switched from mechanical failure or human error to the overwhelming impact of unfavorable weather conditions, as confirmed by the technical finding’s release.
The eight fatalities highlight the inherent dangers of flying over steep or extremely unpredictable terrain, especially when the weather might change abruptly.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
