The investigative committee that probed the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash incident has disclosed that although the Z-9 helicopter was airworthy, it lacked additional safety enhancements.
Captain Paul Forjoe, a member of the committee who presented the report on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, said the helicopter had been properly inspected and approved for flight before take-off.
He said that the Z-9 aircraft involved was serviceable and airworthy at the time of the incident.
However, it also lacked certain critical safety systems which may have reduced the crew’s situational awareness during the flight.
“The aircraft on the day when it crashed was declared serviceable and duly signed off by the captain,” he stated.
He added that the Flight Data Report showed the helicopter’s systems were functioning normally up to the point of the crash.
He said the aircraft lacked several advanced “avionic safety enhancements” that could have helped the pilots better assess their surroundings.
He explained further that the missing equipment was a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), advanced navigation with terrain mapping, and an automatic flight control system.
“This safety equipment could have enhanced situational awareness,” he said.
According to him, these systems play a crucial role in helping pilots navigate safely, especially in challenging environments.
“We have recommended strongly for aircraft with these additional safety enhancements to be acquired immediately,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
