The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB Ghana) has released a preliminary report on the fatal microlight aircraft accident that occurred on March 16, 2026, at a daycare centre in Tema Community One.
The report indicates that the aircraft, registration 9G-ADV, attempted an emergency landing shortly before losing control and crashing within the premises of the TMA Day Care Centre near the Oninku Drive Basic School. Tragically, both occupants on board sustained fatal injuries. There were no casualties recorded on the ground.
Presenting the findings, Investigator-in-Charge, Captain Paul Forjoe, stated that eyewitness accounts suggest the aircraft was flying at a low altitude over Tema and appeared to signal children on a nearby school park to vacate the area in preparation for an emergency landing.
“During a subsequent attempt at landing, the aircraft was observed in a left bank attitude shortly before it lost control and impacted the ground,” he noted.
Available radar data shows that the aircraft was tracked between 60 and 10 nautical miles from Accra, operating at varying altitudes between approximately 3,400 feet and as low as 100 feet prior to the incident. Despite indications of distress, there is no record that the pilot communicated an emergency or intention to make an emergency landing to Air Trattic Control.
The report further outlines that the aircraft had earlier completed a flight from Accra to Ho without incident.
However, technical concerns were later identified. After refuelling with 20 litres of fuel in Ho, white smoke was observed emanating from the engine during taxiing following a local circuit flight. The pilot subsequently reported engine overheating and requested to return to land shortly after takeoff. Following checks, the aircraft departed again for Accra.
The aircraft was destroyed on impact and by a post-crash fire, sustaining severe structural damage consistent with classification as beyond economic repair under international aviation standards.
Regarding the aircraft’s history, it was registered in Ghana in 1996, transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001, and returned to its private owner in 2022. Since then, it had undergone maintenance, flight testing, and regulatory approvals by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. It also held valid flight test and ferry permits issued in March 2026 for testing and relocation purposes.
Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, emphasised that the report is preliminary and issued in accordance with statutory requirements to update the public within 30 days of the occurrence.
“We have not determined anything yet. The full report, with findings and recommendations, will be ready by May 29,2026,” he stated.
He reiterated that the objective of the investigation is to establish the causes and contributory factors of the accident to enhance aviation safety, and not to apportion blame.
The investigation, which commenced on March 17, 2026, remains ongoing, with further tieldwork and autopsy reports expected to inform the final report.
AIB Ghana assures the public of its commitment to conducting a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation. The final report will include appropriate safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.