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Tragedy struck Malindi's Kwa Chocha area on Friday morning when a light aircraft involved in a training exercise crashed along the Malindi - Mombasa Highway, claiming the lives of three people.
The victims included a motorcycle rider a pillion passenger and a bystander who were in the vicinity at the time of the accident.
The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon., left three others injured, including individuals believed to have been aboard the aircraft.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion as the aircraft hit the ground and burst into flames.
Emergency services were quick to respond to the scene, and firefighters managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to nearby properties.
Police officers have since cordoned off the area to facilitate investigations and ensure public safety.
History of aircraft training incidents
In 2024, Kenya experienced several notable aircraft training accidents, raising concerns about aviation safety in the region.
These incidents included mid-air collisions, crash landings, and fatalities involving both training aircraft and military helicopters.
March 5, 2024
A tragic mid-air collision occurred between a training aircraft (Cessna 172) operated by Ninety-Nines Flying School and a passenger plane (Dash 8) from Safarilink Aviation near Wilson Airport.
The collision resulted in the deaths of the two occupants of the Cessna, while the Dash 8 managed to land safely despite sustaining damage.
This incident highlighted significant safety concerns in air traffic management and training protocols within the aviation sector.
September 19, 2024
A Cessna 152 operated by West Rift Aviation School crash-landed in Nairobi National Park during a training flight.
Fortunately, both the pilot and trainee survived.
Military Helicopter Crash
In addition to training accidents, Kenya's military faced a tragedy on April 19, 2024, when a military helicopter crash killed General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, along with nine other high-ranking officials.
This incident raised alarms about the maintenance and safety protocols of military aircraft, as it was reported to be one of several crashes involving military helicopters within a year.
These incidents collectively highlight an urgent need for enhanced safety measures within Kenya's aviation sector.