The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has said the Tema microlight aircraft crash that claimed two lives was caused by poor maintenance and repeated engine overheating.
According to the AIB Ghana, the microlight aircraft had previously experienced engine overheating during short flights and landings in Ho, adding that the defects were not properly addressed before successive flights.
The Bureau also shockingly revealed that the pilot was pouring water on the engine in an attempt to cool it down, an action it labelled as “Inappropriate and unsafe”.
Also, the report disclosed that no flight permits had been issued for the aircraft’s movement, revealing that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) was unaware of its operations and history of mechanical faults.
Head of Investigation Captain Paul Fordjour, presenting the final report on Tuesday, May 26, disclosed that engine failure was the likely cause of the crash and the pilot’s actions as he was in persistent communication on the cell phone.
“Our findings indicate that engine failure was the probable cause of the accident, with pilot actions also contributing to the incident,” he stated.
“There was destruction due to persistent communication on the cell phone,” he added.
Following the Sky Arrow microlight aircraft crash on Monday, March 16, 2026, the victims were identified as the sons of a popular pastor.
The two victims of the microlight aircraft crash have been identified as two sons of the founder of Hebron Prayer Camp near Nsawam, Elder Frank Kwabena Donkor
One of the sons, a distinguished pilot and instructor, Captain Frank Donkor, and his younger brother,
Captain Frank Donkor is reported to have taken his brother on the ill-fated flight.
Captain Frank Donkor, who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the incident, is described as a seasoned airman who held both Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) ratings.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, in a statement, said the aircraft with registration number 9GADV was flying to Accra from Ho.
The GCAA says investigations are underway and that further information will be provided in due course.
Microlights are typically much smaller aircraft, seating two people and mainly used for recreational purposes.
Also, Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, has clarified that the microlight aircraft, which crashed in Tema on Monday, does not belong to the Ghana Armed Forces.
In a Facebook post shared late Monday afternoon, Brogya Genfi stated, “We have received reports of a fatal crash involving a privately owned microlight aircraft at Tema Community 1 this afternoon,” the Deputy Minister wrote.
“We wish to clarify that the aircraft is not owned by the Ghana Armed Forces.”
“We pray for the souls of the departed and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” his post added.
See the post below:
LIVE | Tema microlight aircraft crash: Investigations indicate the aircraft suffered engine failure due to overheating — Head of Investigations at the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana), Captain Paul Forjoe. pic.twitter.com/iur1qJtxco
— The1957News (@The1957News) May 26, 2026
A health worker at Hamile Polyclinic has raised alarm over the facility’s poor condition, citing severe rain leaks that force patients onto the floor, and is calling for urgent government intervention.#GHNow pic.twitter.com/smqBPct59U
— GHnow (@ghnow_) May 26, 2026
