A routine helicopter flight from Accra to Kumasi turned tense on Tuesday when worsening weather forced the pilot to make an unscheduled landing in Nkawkaw.
The aircraft, identified as a Jet A-1 with registration number 9G-AFW, encountered dangerously low visibility, prompting swift action to ensure passenger safety.
The aircraft, a Jet A-1 with registration number 9G-AFW, encountered poor visibility caused by heavy clouds and rain, prompting the pilot to land for safety.
According to GhanaSky.com sources, the helicopter departed from the Kotoka International Airport in Accra and was en route to the Kumasi International Airport when weather conditions along the flight path deteriorated. The reduced visibility and strong wind gusts made it unsafe to continue the journey.
Witnesses in Nkawkaw reported seeing the aircraft descend unexpectedly into an open field, where it landed without incident. No injuries or damages were reported, and all passengers and crew are safe.
Nkawkaw is a town in southern Ghana and is the capital of Kwahu West Municipal, an area in the Eastern Region of south Ghana. Nkawkaw has a 2013 settlement population of 61,785 people. Nkawkaw is also described as a city in a valley as it the gateway to ascend the Kwahu mountains.
Authorities from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have confirmed the incident and emphasized that the emergency landing was a precautionary measure.
They have also assured the public that investigations will be conducted to assess the route’s weather risks and to ensure the continued safety of air travel between Accra and Kumasi.
This is the second such incident in the Nkawkaw area within recent months, raising concerns about weather monitoring systems and contingency planning for flights in the region.
Aviation experts say that while helicopters can operate in varying weather conditions, poor visibility poses significant risks that must be managed carefully.
Passengers were later transported to their destinations through alternative arrangements, while the aircraft remains grounded pending inspection.
