Crashed Tema Aircraft Had No Black Box – Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
Investigators proceed with probe using wreckage and eyewitness accounts despite absence of flight recorder
- AAIB confirms crashed Tema aircraft had no black box
- Wreckage retrieved and eyewitness accounts collected for investigation
- Crash occurred at TMA Daycare Centre, resulting in two fatalities
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that the light aircraft which crashed in Tema on Monday, March 16, 2026, was not equipped with a flight data recorder, commonly known as a black box.
Despite this, the Bureau says it has gathered sufficient evidence to continue its investigation into the fatal crash.
AAIB Commissioner John M. K. Wumborti, who led a team to the crash site on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, stated that full-scale investigations had officially begun following the retrieval of the aircraft wreckage.
The aircraft went down at the TMA Daycare Centre in Community One, Site 17, tragically claiming two lives within the school premises.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Wumborti explained that investigators returned to the site to collect debris critical to the probe.
“This morning, we came back to collect the wreckage, which we have done successfully. The Ghana Air Force assisted us with a truck to transport the debris for further analysis,” he said.
The investigation team has also gathered statements from witnesses to aid the inquiry.
“We have conducted interviews with all available witnesses. Their accounts, together with the physical evidence collected, will form part of the investigation,” he added.
Mr. Wumborti praised the rapid response and coordination among the military, police, fire service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
“The response time was excellent. We are very pleased with the level of collaboration among all the security services. This is how we move Ghana forward,” he noted.
Regarding the identities of the deceased, Mr. Wumborti said the Bureau would follow established protocols before releasing information.
“We have clear procedures for handling such matters. At the appropriate time, we will inform the public about the victims and their families,” he assured.
