The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that the light aircraft, which crashed in Tema on Monday, March 16, was not equipped with a flight data recorder, commonly known as a black box.

Despite the absence of the device, the Bureau says it has gathered sufficient evidence to support ongoing investigations into the fatal incident.

The Commissioner of the AAIB, John M. K. Wumborti, who led a team of investigators to the crash site on Tuesday, March 17, said full-scale investigations had officially commenced following the retrieval of the wreckage.

The aircraft crashed at the TMA Daycare Centre at Community One, Site 17, claiming two lives after going down within the school’s premises.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Wumborti explained that investigators returned to the scene in the morning to collect debris critical to the probe.

“This morning, we came back to collect the wreckage, which we have done successfully. The Ghana Air Force supported us with a truck to convey the debris, which will be used for further analysis,” he stated.

Witness accounts gathered

He added that the investigation team had also obtained accounts from eyewitnesses to aid the probe.

“We have conducted interviews with all available witnesses and taken their accounts. These, together with the physical evidence collected, will form part of the investigation,” he said.

Agencies commended

Mr Wumborti commended the swift response and coordination among various security agencies, including the military, police, fire service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

“The response time was excellent. We are very pleased with the level of collaboration among all the security services. This is how we move Ghana forward,” he noted.

Victims yet to be identified

On the identities of the deceased, Mr Wumborti said the Bureau would follow established protocols before making any official disclosures.

“We have clear procedures for handling such matters. At the appropriate time, we will inform the public about the victims and their families,” he assured.