AIB Ghana Report: Misinterpreted Signals and Engine Failure Led to Fatal Tema Microlight Crash

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has released its final report into the tragic crash of a Sky Arrow 650T microlight aircraft in Tema, which occurred on March 16, 2026. The investigation confirms that the accident, which resulted in the deaths of two brothers, was primarily caused by engine failure due to overheating. Commissioner John Mmeb Kunyan Wumborti stated that the aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, lost control and crashed into a tree after clipping the roof of the Tema Day Care School during a failed attempt at an emergency landing. The report highlights a series of mechanical failures and regulatory breaches that culminated in the disaster.

Technical findings within the report point to a history of poor maintenance and unaddressed mechanical faults. Investigators discovered that the aircraft had suffered from overheating issues prior to the fatal flight, yet these were not properly rectified. The pilot reportedly engaged in highly unsafe practices, such as pouring water on the overheating engine in an attempt to cool it, and was further distracted by cellphone use while in the air. Crucially, the pilot operated from the rear seat of the aircraft during all three flights that day; this positioning significantly restricted his access to vital controls, making it nearly impossible to manage the aircraft effectively once the engine failed at a low altitude.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the report reveals that the crash was also influenced by a tragic miscommunication with the public. As the pilot attempted to signal children playing on the field of the Tema Day Care School to clear the area for an emergency landing, the children misinterpreted his low-altitude maneuvers as a friendly wave or an invitation to play. Because the children remained on the field, the pilot was forced to abandon his landing attempt and pull away, which led to the final loss of control. The AIB further noted that the return journey from Ho to Accra was unauthorized, as the pilot lacked the necessary permits for the flight and had deviated from set route plans.

In light of these findings, AIB Ghana has issued several safety recommendations to enhance the oversight of general aviation and improve the communication of flight permit details. The bureau’s call for stricter regulatory adherence comes at a time of heightened global concern regarding aviation safety. This includes recent warnings from international watchdogs, such as the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, which has noted a 15% increase in safety incidents related to lithium-ion batteries and power banks. AIB Ghana remains committed to preventing future accidents by urging public support for safety initiatives and ensuring that all flight operations within the country meet rigorous safety standards.