A preliminary investigation into the plane crash that killed 11 people in Kwale County has revealed the final moments of the flight. The report indicates the aircraft lost contact due to poor weather shortly after takeoff. The probe continues without assigning blame.
The plane crash that occurred last month in Tsimba Golini, Kwale County, resulted in the deaths of 11 people. According to a report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) under the Ministry of Transport, the Cessna 208B aircraft, owned by Mombasa Air Safari, crashed about eight or nine minutes after takeoff from Ukunda Airport.
The flight was headed to Kichwa Tembo in Maasai Mara, carrying eight Hungarian nationals, two Germans, and a Kenyan pilot. The journey was expected to last about two hours. It took off using visual flight rules due to rapidly deteriorating weather, including low clouds, heavy fog, and rain.
“During the accident, weather conditions required instrument use. The area had low clouds and poor visibility caused by heavy fog and rain,” the report states. The aircraft disappeared from tracking systems eight minutes after takeoff, and communication attempts went unanswered.
Remains were found in a forested area on Tsimba Golini hill, where the plane struck the ground at high speed. “The aircraft struck a slightly sloped area with great force and was directed downward at speed,” the report explains. The front section buried 2.2 meters into the soil, followed by a large fire that consumed much of the wreckage. Damage spread over 29 by 22 meters, with passenger items found up to 54 meters away.
No emergency signals were emitted, and the emergency locator transmitter failed to activate. The plane had a valid airworthiness certificate and recent maintenance, with no reported defects. The 39-year-old pilot had over 6,900 flight hours, including 5,500 on this type, and no pilot error appears evident. The ground proximity warning device was found damaged and is under further examination abroad.
AAID emphasizes the ongoing investigation aims to prevent future accidents. “The sole purpose of the investigation will be to prevent similar accidents in the future,” they stated.