Rift Valley | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

En route from Nairobi to the Masai Mara National Reserve, the pilot declared an emergency and informed ATC he collided with a bird. Shortly later, the twin engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a prairie. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all seven occupants were killed, among them six German tourists. A tip tank and an aileron struck by the bird (a Marabu stork) were found more than one km from the main wreckage.

Probable cause:

In-flight collision with a bird (Marabu stork).

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Musiara: 9 killed

Date & Time: Dec 26, 1991

Type of aircraft:

Piper PA-31-310 Navajo

Operator:

Eagle Aviation - Kenya

Registration:

5Y-SRV

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Mombasa - Kichwa Tembo

MSN:

31-7300902

YOM:

1973

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Circumstances:

En route from Mombasa to Kichwa Tembo, the pilot was informed that a DC-3 suffered a mishap upon landing at Musiara Airstrip and apparently decided to make a low pass to show the scene to the passengers. While approaching the airfield at an altitude of 250 feet, the aircraft collided with a white-backed vulture who went through the windshield and killed the pilot instantly. Control was lost and the aircraft crashed in an open field, bursting into flames. All nine occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Loss of control following an in-flight collision with a white-backed vulture weighing 5,4 kilos that struck the windshield and killed the pilot.

Crash of a Cessna 402B in Kichwa Tembo

Date & Time: Jan 3, 1982

Type of aircraft:

Cessna 402

Operator:

Sunbird Aviation (Kenya)

Registration:

5Y-ANY

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

MSN:

402B-0204

YOM:

1972

Location:

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Circumstances:

Crashed in unknown circumstances. There were no casualties.

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Oloitokitok

Date & Time: Dec 28, 1974

Type of aircraft:

Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain

Operator:

Safari Air Services

Registration:

5Y-ASH

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

31-7405149

YOM:

1974

Location:

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Circumstances:

After touchdown on runway 31 at Oloitokitok Aerodrome, the twin engine airplane encountered difficulties to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest 30 yards further. A passenger was injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of an Avro 652A Anson I in Kitale: 3 killed

Date & Time: Oct 1, 1956

Type of aircraft:

Avro 652 Anson

Operator:

Registration:

VP-KJK

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Nairobi – Kitale

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Circumstances:

On final approach to Kitale Airport, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed few km short of runway threshold. All three occupants were killed. It is believed that the accident was the consequence of a wing failure on final.

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-20-DK Dakota C.4 near Isiolo

Date & Time: Jun 27, 1947

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

KN264

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Fāyid – Nairobi

MSN:

15749/27194

YOM:

1945

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Circumstances:

Enroute, the right engine failed and caught fire. The captain reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing in a swampy area located near Isiolo. The aircraft crash landed and was damaged beyond repair while all 15 occupants were able to evacuate safely. Crew from the 216th Squadron.

Probable cause:

The fire on the right engine was caused by the failure of a fuel line. The fuel spill in the nacelle and then caught fire.

Crash of a Bristol 142 Blenheim I in Nakuru

Date & Time: Feb 27, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Bristol 142 Blenheim

Operator:

Registration:

L6659

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Training

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Nakuru - Nakuru

Location:

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Region:

Crew on board:

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Circumstances:

The crew was engaged in a local training flight at Nakuru Airstrip on behalf of the 70 OTU. During the takeoff roll, a tyre burst. The airplane swung and the undercarriage collapsed. Both crew members escaped uninjured while the airplane was damaged beyond repair.
Crew:
P/O King, instructor,
Sgt McDonald, student pilot.

Probable cause:

A tyre burst during takeoff.