Light aircraft that crashed in Tema had no black box – Investigators

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that the light aircraft which crashed in Tema on Monday, March 16, 2026, was not equipped with a flight data recorder, commonly referred to as a black box.

Despite the absence of the device, the Bureau says investigators have gathered sufficient evidence to support ongoing investigations into the fatal crash.

The Commissioner of the AAIB, John M. K. Wumborti, led a team of investigators to the crash site on Tuesday, March 17, where he announced that full-scale investigations had officially begun following the retrieval of the aircraft wreckage.

Crash at Daycare Centre

The aircraft went down at the TMA Daycare Centre, claiming two lives after crashing within the school’s premises.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Wumborti said investigators returned to the scene in the morning to collect debris that will be crucial 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 said.

Witness Accounts Collected

Mr. Wumborti added that investigators had also interviewed eyewitnesses to support the ongoing 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 explained.

Agencies Commended for Response

The AAIB Commissioner commended the swift response and coordination among several emergency and security agencies involved in managing the incident.

These include the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National 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 victims, Mr. Wumborti said the Bureau would follow established protocols before making any official announcement.

“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.