Cessna 208 Crash in Kenya Kills All 11 Onboard

Eleven people—a Kenyan pilot and 10 European passengers—are dead after a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed just 10 minutes into what should have been a routine safari flight yesterday morning, prompting Kenyan authorities to launch a full investigation into the tragedy. Investigators from Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) have been deployed to the crash site near Diana Beach, where the aircraft went down shortly after departing Ukunda Airport (HKUK).

At approximately 8:25 a.m. local time, the Mombasa Air Safari turboprop single, registered as 5Y-CCA, departed HKUK en route to Kichwa Tembo (HKTB) in the Maasai Mara game reserve, a straight line distance of more than 280 miles and an estimated flying time of nearly 2.5 hours. AAID authorities reported that at 8:35 a.m., and 25 miles from the departure point, Mombasa Moi International Airport ATC lost radar contact with the turboprop single. The pilot did not communicate any problems before the accident. Preliminary information suggests poor visibility and heavy rain in the area.

Based at Mombasa Moi International Airport (HKMO)‚ Mombasa Air Safari was established in 1974 and owns and operates small and midsize turboprops on scheduled and charter flights throughout East Africa and the Indian Ocean. According to the Aviation Safety Network accident database, the company had one previous fatal accident: On Aug. 22, 2012, two pilots and two passengers died when their Let L410 turboprop twin veered off the runway during takeoff and hit an embankment.

“We have activated our emergency response team and [are] fully cooperating with the relevant authorities, who have begun their investigation,” said Mombasa Air Safari chairman John Cleave. “Our primary focus right now is on providing all possible support to the families affected. A dedicated family assistance team has been established to offer counseling, logistical coordination, and any required assistance.”