A brief scare unfolded at Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve on Monday, June 1, when a light aircraft carrying tourists was involved in an accident while attempting to take off.
According to initial reports, the plane, a Cessna Grand Caravan registered as 5Y-SOP, left the runway after one of its tyres burst, forcing it to halt within the airstrip. Emergency teams responded immediately and began rescue efforts at the scene.
Although the incident caused alarm among those present, authorities confirmed that there were no deaths or serious injuries. The Kenya Wildlife Service stated that all passengers and crew members were safe.
Footage from the airstrip obtained by Vantage Ke showed emergency responders and security officers converging on the aircraft, which sustained damage during the incident. Another aircraft could also be seen stationed nearby as officials secured the area.
Investigations have since been launched to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the accident, amid heightened scrutiny following several recent aviation incidents across the country.
Authorities are expected to probe the latest aviation incident to establish what led to the crash.
Officials indicated that investigations are ongoing into all reported aviation accidents across the country, with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) expected to issue a statement once it has gathered sufficient information on the incident.
The development comes just weeks after a passenger aircraft crashed in South Sudan, killing two Kenyans among those on board.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 27, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) identified the aircraft as a Cessna 208 Caravan bearing registration number 57-NOK.
The authority said the plane, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, crashed about 20 kilometres southwest of Juba.
"The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) confirms that an aircraft crash occurred approximately 20km southwest of Juba today," the statement said in part.
SSCAA further disclosed that the aircraft had been travelling from Yei to Juba and that the victims included the pilot and 12 South Sudanese nationals.
"The aircraft departed Yei enroute to Juba International Airport at 09:15 AM and lost communication at 09:43 AM. There were 13 passengers and 1 pilot (Captain) on board (POB), two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese nationals. Unfortunately, there were no survivors," the authority stated.
The agency added that poor weather conditions may have contributed to the accident.
"Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft may have crashed due to adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility. The SSCAA response team has been dispatched to the site to gather information and support emergency and recovery efforts."
