The investigative report into the deadly helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6 has been made public.
The report was first presented to the National Security Council on Monday, November 10 and immediately handed to President John Dramani Mahama by the acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson.
On Tuesday, November 11, the investigative team led by Captain (rtd) Paul Forjoe met the press at the Jubilee House to make known key findings during the 30-day investigation.
“The investigation determined that the immediate cause of the accident was the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to downdraft,” he stated.
“This loss of height occurred without any change in power or pitch attitude from the crew.”
The report also revealed that although the helicopter was deemed airworthy and serviceable, it lacked crucial modern safety enhancements needed for flying safer in adverse weather over high terrain.
Among the key missing equipment are Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS/EGPWS), Advanced navigation with terrain mapping and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
The accident claimed the lives of eight persons including two ministers of state namely Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who was Minister of Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who was the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.