Investigation Summary
The aircraft, a 1981-built Boeing 737-290C, had been acquired by the Kenyan cargo carrier IBM Airlines in March 2024 but was reportedly banned from operating in Kenya by the KCAA for undisclosed reasons. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was operating in a conflict zone controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While BAAA-ACRO reports the aircraft arrived at Nyala Airport from N'Djamena, Chad, on the evening of May 2, 2025, and was hit while parked, other reports suggest it was shot down during its approach. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched the attack using artillery or an air-strike, alleging the flight was part of a logistics chain supplying the RSF with weapons and drones. The resulting explosion destroyed the airframe. The incident sparked significant diplomatic tension, as the captain was a well-connected Kenyan pilot and the co-pilot was a South Sudanese military officer; this led to allegations of regional state support for the RSF paramilitary group.
Final Conclusions
The aircraft was destroyed by deliberate military action by the Sudanese Armed Forces. The SAF officially reported the shootdown was motivated by the suspicion of illegal transport of military equipment and personnel for rebel forces. The investigation by Kenyan authorities focused on the regulatory status of the aircraft and the circumstances under which Kenyan-registered airframes were operating in Sudanese and Somali conflict zones.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Airframe
The Boeing 737-290C (Combi) was configured for cargo operations and was destroyed by external munitions and a subsequent fuel-fed explosion.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Boeing 737-290C Advanced manufactured in 1981 (MSN 22577/760).
- 02The Sudanese Armed Forces claimed the aircraft was carrying drones and military supplies for the RSF.
- 03A 2026 Reuters report confirmed 54 fatalities and 57 survivors, clarifying earlier conflicting reports.
- 04The captain was the brother of a prominent Kenyan lawyer associated with President William Ruto.
- 05The co-pilot was the Secretary General of the South Sudanese Pilots Association.
- 06The aircraft was the only one in IBM Airlines' fleet and had been banned from Kenyan airspace.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Kenyan Investigation Team
The Government of Kenya established a team to review accident reports of Kenyan-registered aircraft operating in South Sudan and Somalia to address safety and regulatory violations.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Ownership and Operational Control
Reference ↗While registered to IBM Airlines, it was unclear who held ultimate operational control. Reuters linked the crew's employer, Occidental Support Services (owned by US veteran Steven Shaulis), to a logistics chain supplying the RSF via the UAE.
Allegations of Kenyan State Support
Reference ↗The incident fueled allegations that the Kenyan government was destabilizing Sudan by supporting the RSF, citing the captain's high-level political connections and previous meetings between President Ruto and RSF commander Hemedti.