Sudden Loss of Altitude and Lift Due to Downdraft Caused Z-9 Helicopter Crash – Committee

The committee investigating the August 6, 2025, Z-9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including two Ministers of State, has concluded that the tragedy was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a powerful downdraft during adverse weather conditions.

Presenting the official findings, Captain Paul Fordjour, the lead investigator, revealed that the aircraft was airworthy but lacked additional safety enhancements, such as the Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) and the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) — both of which could have provided extra protection in such hazardous conditions.

“The helicopter was airworthy but lacked additional safety enhancements for flying safer in the weather phenomena over that terrain,” Captain Fordjour stated.

He noted that adverse weather, limited visibility, rising terrain, and absence of ground-based navigational aids along the route were significant environmental challenges that contributed to the crash.

Despite these challenges, Captain Fordjour commended the emergency response teams for their swift and coordinated intervention following the incident.

Victims of the Crash

All eight people on board perished in the crash. They were:

1. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence

2. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – NDC Vice Chairman

5. Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

6. Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

7. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu

8. Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Scope of the Investigation

The investigation board included experts from the National Security, Ghana Armed Forces, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau, National Intelligence Bureau, and U.S. Air Force advisors.

The team gathered and analysed all available evidence, including flight logs, maintenance records, crew qualifications, and aircraft documentation.

The helicopter’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — popularly known as the black box — were sent to the AVIC Flight Decoding Centre in Xi’an, China, from September 12 to 22, 2025, for data extraction and analysis.

Human and Operational Factors

Beyond technical assessments, the committee also evaluated human performance, medical and psychological fitness, and operational procedures of the crew.
Interviews were conducted with pilots, engineers, supervisors, and family members to determine levels of training, proficiency, and safety culture.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency’s data and eyewitness accounts confirmed that the flight encountered severe weather conditions that contributed to the downdraft.

Captain Fordjour said the team also reviewed Ghana Air Force flight policies, operational oversight, and risk management systems to better understand the organisational environment in which the flight operated.

“Using flight recorder data, radar tracks, eyewitness accounts, and analysis of similar accidents, we reconstructed the flight path to understand what led to this tragedy,” Captain Fordjour emphasised.

Summary of Findings

• Cause: Sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft

• Contributing Factors: Adverse weather, limited visibility, rising terrain, and lack of ground-based navigation aids

• Aircraft Status: Airworthy but without enhanced safety systems (HTAWS/EGPWS)

• Emergency Response: Timely and effective