A devastating Tema microlight aircraft crash occurred on March 16, 2026, claiming the lives of both occupants aboard a small Sky Arrow aircraft registered as 9G-ADV.
The incident took place in the Oninku Drive School Park area of Tema Community One, shocking residents and prompting an immediate response from emergency services. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed the tragedy, noting the aircraft was en route from Ho to Accra when it went down around 2:18 pm local time.
Before & After of the Helicopter crash in Tema – Ghana (Microlight plane Crash)
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose control mid-air, somersaulting before slamming into the ground near a school and daycare facility. The impact caused the plane to burst into flames, intensifying the horror for nearby residents and schoolchildren who were quickly evacuated from classrooms. Authorities, including the GCAA, have verified that the two individuals on board—believed to be the pilots—did not survive, with their bodies recovered and moved to the morgue.
The privately owned microlight, described in some reports as a two-seater Sky Arrow model approximately 25 years old, lacked a flight data recorder (black box), which may complicate the ongoing investigation led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Preliminary findings indicate loss of radio contact prior to the crash, but experts caution that it is too early to determine the exact cause.
Tema Microlight Aircraft Crash 9G-ADV Raises Safety Concerns Near Residential and School Areas
The crash site, close to the TMA Day Care Centre and school grounds, left the community traumatized, with classes suspended in the aftermath to ensure safety. No ground casualties were reported, but the proximity to populated areas has renewed discussions on microlight operations and aviation regulations in Ghana.
Investigators are examining wreckage at the scene, with officials from multiple agencies coordinating efforts. The Deputy Minister for Defence has clarified that the aircraft was not military-owned, emphasizing its private status. As probes continue, this Tema microlight aircraft crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks in light aviation and the need for stringent safety measures to protect communities.
