Sudden Downdraft Caused August 6 Military Helicopter Crash – Report
A powerful downdraft has been identified as the main cause of the August 6, 2025, Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two government ministers.
This was revealed in the final report of the investigative committee tasked to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disaster. The findings were presented at a public briefing in Accra on Tuesday, 11th November.
Committee member Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe explained that the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and lift after encountering severe changes in weather conditions while flying over high terrain.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft.
This loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch altitude is consistent with a downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,”
Captain Forjoe said.
The ill-fated aircraft, a Harbin Z-9EH helicopter with tail number GHF 631, had departed Accra at about 9:12 a.m. on a mission to support anti-illegal mining operations in Obuasi. It reportedly lost radar contact shortly before crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
All eight occupants, including the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, were killed in the crash.
The committee, chaired by Acting Minister for Defence Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, cited a combination of environmental, technical and operational factors that contributed to the accident. It has recommended enhanced pilot preparedness for weather-related turbulence, improved real-time weather tracking, and stricter flight protocols over mountainous areas to help avert future disasters.
