One of the pilots of the Allied Air cargo plane that crushed 10 people to death over the weekend has explained that the heavy rains on that fateful day could be blamed for the tragedy.

Speaking to Accra-based Multi TV at the Airport Clinic, where he and his other three colleagues are receiving treatment, the pilot said they did their possible best to avert the tragedy, which can also be linked to poor visibility, but it went beyond their control.

The pilot, whose name was not disclosed, said they complied with all aviation procedures with regards to landing.

He said: “We landed alright, but the air plane just will not stop. We tried everything possible to keep it on the runaway and it just keeps going and we went out of the runaway and the rest is history.”

The pilot expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives, adding they got to know of the fatalities at the hospital.

“We thank God. I want to take this opportunity to express our condolences to those who lost their lives. We were not even aware of that until we go here. We are really very sorry about that.”

A five-member committee has been inaugurated to ascertain the cause of Saturday night’s plane crash involving the Nigeria carrier.

The committee being chaired by Captain Alex Grant Sam has 30 days to submit its report to the Minister of Transport, Collins Dauda, who inaugurated it on Sunday.

It has also been tasked to make recommendations to forestall any future occurrences.

Others members of the committee are Mr. Ben Boutu, Ex. Director, Safety Regulation, Mr. Ben Sakpaku, Ex. GCAA Deputy Director, Safety Regulation, Mr. Eric Ewusi, Safety Regulation and Mr Kenneth Kofi Kwawukume, Ex. Deputy Director, Air Traffic Services.