Fresh details have emerged regarding the devastating plane collision that rocked Nairobi County yesterday, March 5, shaking the aviation community and leaving two individuals dead. The incident, which involved a passenger plane and a training school aircraft, has sparked investigations by relevant authorities to ascertain the cause of the tragic accident.
In a somber statement released today, the Ninety-Nines Flying School confirmed that the aircraft involved in the collision belonged to their institution and was being utilized for routine training at the time of the incident. The school revealed that the two individuals on board were a student and an instructor, both of whom tragically lost their lives in the mid-morning collision.
“The aircraft had two crew on board; an instructor and a student. Investigations to determine the cause of the accident are being carried out by the relevant authorities. We condole with the families, friends, and relatives of the deceased,” the statement from Ninety-Nines Flying School expressed condolences to the affected families and underscored ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident.
Safarilink, the operator of the passenger plane involved in the collision, also issued a statement detailing the harrowing experience. The company confirmed that its aircraft sustained damage while climbing out of Wilson Airport shortly after take-off, prompting the crew to make a swift decision to turn back for further inspection.
“Safarilink Aviation wishes to report that this morning at 9:45 Local Time our flight number 053 with 39 passengers and 5 crew on board headed to Diani experienced a loud bang soon after take-off. The crew decided to immediately turn back to Nairobi-Wilson Airport for further inspection and assessment and landed safely. There were no casualties reported,” Safarilink’s statement reassured the public, emphasizing that all passengers and crew on board were unharmed.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) and the National Police Service (NPS) have taken up the matter to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The objective is to determine the underlying factors that led to the collision between the two aircraft.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, raising concerns about safety protocols and highlighting the importance of stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future. As investigations unfold, authorities are urging for patience and cooperation from all parties involved, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the collision.
With questions lingering over the cause of the accident, the aviation industry and the wider public await the findings of the investigative agencies, hoping for clarity and closure in the wake of this heartbreaking event. As condolences pour in for the families of the deceased, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of air travel for all passengers and crew.