According to reports, the plane, which was carrying tourists, was headed to Kichwa Tembo after departing from Diani in the morning hours. While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be established, those privy to the situation cited poor visibility due to the unfavourable weather conditions as a possible cause of the fatal crash.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) wishes to confirm that an aircraft registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way from Diani to Kichwa Tembo crashed at 0530Z,” KCAA noted.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the plane engulfed in flames, with spots of its scattered debris along the scene of the accident. Rescue teams and emergency responders are on the scene, working to recover the bodies of the victims and assess the damage. However, due to the severity of the crash, authorities have expressed fears that there may be no survivors. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, but reports indicate that some of the passengers were foreign nationals.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, sources close to the situation have pointed to poor weather conditions as a possible cause. Dense fog or low-lying clouds may have obstructed the pilot's visibility, making it difficult for the crew to navigate. The region has experienced unpredictable weather recently, with heavy rains and fog being reported in various parts of Kwale.
The crash is particularly poignant given the aircraft’s role in transporting tourists, an industry that is a significant contributor to Kenya's economy. Kichwa Tembo, located in the Masai Mara, is one of the country’s popular safari destinations, and many tourists use light aircraft services to reach remote locations. The aviation sector, particularly light aircraft services for tourism, has come under scrutiny following this accident, and there are calls for stricter safety regulations to ensure passenger safety on such flights.
KCAA has launched a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigators are focusing on the aircraft’s flight data and examining weather reports from the morning hours to determine whether poor visibility was the sole factor, or if other technical issues may have contributed.
This tragic crash has reignited concerns about air safety in Kenya, particularly with light aircraft used for short-haul flights. Experts are urging the government and aviation authorities to take a closer look at the safety standards for these flights, as well as the maintenance protocols for aircraft used in the tourism sector.
