Dr. Rebert Nestor Otoo, a British Army aircraft engineer, has firmly dismissed claims that bad weather or pilot mistake caused the fatal Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, which killed eight people, including high-ranking government officials. Instead, he suspects sabotage or mechanical failure.

Speaking on Adom FM, Dr. Otoo argued that highly trained pilots are assigned to VIP flights, making human error unlikely. He also rejected weather-related theories, stressing that aircraft undergo strict pre-flight checks before transporting dignitaries.

“When I heard about the crash, my first thought was sabotage,” he said. “Aircraft carrying top officials don’t just fail without cause.” He added that complete engine failure mid-flight is rare, and pilots are trained to handle emergencies.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the helicopter disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff from Accra to Obuasi. Among the victims were two government ministers and military personnel.

The government has declared three days of national mourning, with memorials held at the State House. DNA tests were conducted in South Africa to identify the severely burned remains. Two of the deceased, including MP Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, have already been buried following Islamic rites. A state funeral for the remaining victims is scheduled for August 15.

Dr. Otoo’s remarks have intensified calls for a thorough investigation into the crash, as authorities work to determine the true cause.