Investigations into the tragic August 6 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people at Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have concluded that the accident was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a powerful downdraft.
Aviation expert and leader of the investigative committee, Captain Paul Forjoe, disclosed this while presenting the report during a public broadcast on Tuesday, November 11.
Captain Forjoe explained that the aircraft encountered a rapid downward air current while flying over high terrain, resulting in a sudden drop in altitude from which the crew could not recover.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft. This loss of altitude without any change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with downdrafts associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,” the report stated.
Experts noted that downdrafts—strong downward winds often linked to turbulent weather or mountainous regions—can severely affect an aircraft’s ability to maintain altitude, particularly during low-level flights.
Captain Forjoe also confirmed that the helicopter was airworthy and met all basic safety requirements before the crash, though it lacked some advanced safety enhancements.
He added that the crew, who had completed three previous flights that same day, were fully qualified, medically fit, and well-rested before the incident.
The committee’s full report was submitted to President John Mahama and the National Security Council by Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on Monday, November 10.
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