No fatalities

Training Flight Simulation Results in Accident at Accra-Kotoka Airport (9G-ABW)

Accra-Kotoka, GhanaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 22, 1971, an Avro 748 (registration 9G-ABW) operated by Ghana Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Accra-Kotoka, Ghana during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after the left propelle was not feathered but the blades moved to fine pitch. It was determined that the pilot failed to place the left High Pressure cock lever in the full off position. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight, a left engine failure simulation on final approach led to a loss of control, causing the aircraft to strike trees and crash short of the runway. All three crew members were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

On a local training flight at Accra-Kotoka Airport, three pilots were performing approach maneuvers. While on final approach at an altitude of 150 feet, the left engine was deliberately shut down to simulate a failure. Shortly after, control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane banked to the left, struck trees, and crashed a few hundred yards short of the runway.

Injuries and Damage

All three crew members sustained injuries in the accident. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. Loss of control occurred because the left propeller was not feathered; instead, the blades moved to fine pitch. This resulted from the pilot failing to place the left High Pressure cock lever in the full off position.