The investigative committee examining the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash in Ghana has released a detailed report outlining the sequence of events, weather conditions, and technical findings that led to the tragic incident.
According to the report, the Harbin Z-9EH helicopter — tail number GHF 631 and callsign IHRI — had been assigned a Ministry of Defence mission. The aircraft was scheduled to depart Accra at 8:00 a.m. and arrive in Obuasi within 50 minutes.
However, departure was delayed due to poor weather conditions in Accra, Kumasi, and Obuasi. The flight eventually took off at 9:12 a.m. under marginal weather conditions.
Poor Visibility and Adverse Weather
Throughout the flight, the crew made several altitude adjustments to navigate through low clouds and mist. Visibility across southern Ghana was poor — ranging from 5 to 7 kilometres in Accra and dropping to about 4 kilometres in Kumasi due to drizzle and dense clouds between 600 and 900 feet.
Witnesses near Brofoyedru, where the crash occurred, reported fog and rainfall at the time. Investigators believe rapid weather changes and air turbulence over the hilly terrain may have contributed to the accident.
Aircraft Condition and Missing Safety Systems
Flight data confirmed that the aircraft was serviceable and in good working order prior to takeoff. However, the report highlighted that the helicopter lacked essential safety technologies, including a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), advanced terrain-mapping navigation, and an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
The committee noted that the absence of these systems likely reduced situational awareness, making it harder for the crew to detect terrain obstacles during flight.
The Final Minutes
The helicopter departed Accra under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) but later encountered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). For most of the 100-mile journey, the crew managed the situation effectively.
At 9:56 a.m., the pilots reported entering full IMC and switched to instrument flying. Moments later, they reported seeing high ground below. Within seconds, the helicopter lost altitude suddenly, without any sign of engine failure or loss of control, and crashed into a ridgeline at 1,370 feet above sea level, roughly 6.5 miles from its destination, at around 9:58 a.m.
All eight occupants on board — including senior government officials and military officers — died instantly.
Committee Recommendations
The investigation concluded that the crash was primarily caused by adverse weather, limited navigational aids, and the lack of advanced safety systems.
The committee has urged the Ghana Air Force to upgrade its helicopter fleet with modern safety and terrain-awareness technologies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
