By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The Z-9 military chopper that crashed about three months ago, killing eight people, was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft, according to the investigative committee on Tuesday.
At a press briefing a day after the August 6 helicopter crash report was submitted to the president, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a member of the committee, explained that loss in altitude without a corresponding change in power is consistent with downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude due to downdraft,” said the committee.
It added, “This loss of altitude without change in power or pitch attitude is consistent with downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.”
The committee, chaired by the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, was tasked with determining the cause of the crash and recommending preventive measures. Its final report highlighted technical, operational, and environmental factors that contributed to the accident.
The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force.
The aircraft departed Accra at about 9:12 a.m. for Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining operation but lost radar contact before crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Eight persons, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, three other government officials, and three crew members. End item
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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