Z-9 Helicopter Crashes: Major Incidents Involving the Aircraft Brand Omane Boamah, Others Died In

YEN.com.gh looks back on some of the major crashes the Z-9 helicopter brand at the centre of Ghana's August 6 air tragedy has been involved in

The Z-9 helicopter brand has come into focus following the tragic aircraft crash that killed eight people on state duties.

There have been questions about the safety record of the Chinese-made helicopter that was first developed in 1981.

YEN.com.gh checks have indicated that the Z-9 has not been flagged anywhere as having significant safety concerns.

Indeed, its dual-engine design allows the aircraft to continue flying even if one engine fails. Human error is noted as the main cause of helicopter crashes.

The Z-9EH, Ghana's variant of the helicopter, is designed for transport, passenger use and emergency purposes, according to the Odin database on military equipment.

But the Z-9 line of helicopters has been involved in notable accidents across three continents, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

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Aside from Ghana, the Z-9 has been exported by China for use in Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Kenya, Laos, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Pakistan, and Zambia.

Crashes involving Z-9 helicopters over four decades

Z-9 incidents in Cambodia

In 2024, a Harbin Z-9WE helicopter went missing while performing a training flight over the Caradamom Mountains.

The wreckage of the aircraft was found two weeks after it went missing.

The body of one crew member was found inside the helicopter, while the body of a second crew member was found near the crash site.

In 2014, a Z-9 crashed in Cambodia during a training flight south of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, killing five of the six people on board.

The helicopter was operating in the vicinity of a flooded quarry and performed one take-off and landing near the edge of the quarry cliff.

Shortly after lifting off to depart the area, eye-witnesses said the helicopter descended into the quarry where it lost control, resulting in the main rotors striking the quarry wall, causing the aircraft to plunge into the water.

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Z-9 engine failure in Bolivia

In 2023, a Bolivian Army Z-9C suffered a starboard engine failure and made an emergency landing and caught fire. The five occupants survived, and the helicopter was completely destroyed.

Crashed Z-9 in Hong Kong

In 2020, a Chinese Army Z-9 had an accident in Hong Kong during a night training mission in adverse weather conditions.

It crashed into an electricity transmission tower, killing all four crew on board.

Z-9 helicopter crash in Cameroon

In 2019, one of the three Harbin Z-9WE helicopters owned by the Cameroon Air Force crashed in a forest near Elak Oku. One died and seven others were injured in the crash.

Mali Z-9 helicopter crashes

Also in 2019, a Z-9 helicopter crashed while training for Mali's national celebration day. It crashed during a landing, and there were no fatalities.

In 2001, one of them crashed on an agricultural survey mission. Two government officials, two cameramen from a state TV team and four members of the armed forces died in the crash.

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This crash was believed to have been caused by an in-flight fire resulting from the use of a lighter and leftover alcohol from field work.

Z-9 crashes in China

In 2015, a Z-9 helicopter crashed at a military airport in Tongzhou District, Beijing, while preparing for a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Three crew members died in that crash, and several occupants were injured.

In 2003, a weapons system on a Z-9 attack helicopter malfunctioned during a test flight in China owing to a design flaw, which damaged the aircraft. It led to a forced landing, which wrecked the Z-9 and injured both pilots.

In 2002, during a training flight in China, the crew left designated airspace and flew at a very low altitude against flight rules. The military helicopter struck power lines and crashed. Four crew members died.

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In 1991, a Z-9 helicopter crashed and burned in China during a crew training flight at Harbin Taiping International Airport. The surviving occupant was seriously injured.

Multiple Z-9 crashes in Zambia

In 2013, a Z-9 helicopter flying past in commemoration for the Zambia International Youth Day was involved in an accident while landing.

The captain of the aircraft, Major Misapa Mukupa, sustained injuries and, eventually, died.

Also in 2013, a helicopter carrying journalists accompanying the Zambian Vice President at the time was forced into an emergency landing in Kabwe. No one was hurt.

In 2012, a Zambia Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter suffered a power failure. It failed to ascend before spiralling out of control towards a tree and then coming to rest near a tent erected to provide shelter. One person on the ground was hurt in the incident.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh