Investigation Summary
The collision occurred in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) over Nairobi National Park. Safarilink Flight 053 was departing Runway 14 for a scheduled flight to Ukunda, while the Cessna 172 was performing touch and go circuits on Runway 07. Air Traffic Control had advised both crews of each other's presence. The Dash 8 crew reported seeing the Cessna at their 8 o'clock position during the initial climb and believed they were well clear. However, at approximately 6,000 feet, the aircraft collided. The impact destroyed the Cessna's structural integrity, leading to a fatal crash. The Dash 8 suffered a minor yaw and sustained damage to its right hand horizontal stabilizer leading edge, as well as significant damage to the deicing boots on the right wing, with sections found missing upon inspection.
Final Conclusions
The investigation is currently in the preliminary stage led by the Kenya Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID). Initial findings confirm that both aircraft were operating from Wilson Airport under the same tower control and had been issued traffic advisories. The collision occurred on the Cessna's early downwind leg and the Dash 8's departure path. Further analysis will focus on air traffic control procedures, cockpit visibility, and the effectiveness of the 'see and avoid' principle in the busy Wilson Airport terminal area.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Horizontal Stabilizer
The Dash 8's right-hand horizontal stabilizer leading edge was the primary point of contact during the collision.
TCAS
Traffic Collision Avoidance System; the investigation will review if alerts were generated prior to the impact.
Interesting Facts
- 01The Dash 8 (5Y-SLK) had 39 passengers and 5 crew members on board.
- 02The Cessna 172 (5Y-NNJ) was on a training flight with an instructor and a student pilot.
- 03The collision occurred in broad daylight under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
- 04The Dash 8 sustained damage to the leading edge of its right hand horizontal stabilizer and the deicing boots of the right wing.
- 05The Cessna 172 was completely destroyed upon impact and subsequent ground contact.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Preliminary Investigation Launch
Source ↗The Kenya Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) initiated an immediate probe into the coordination between training flights and commercial departures at Wilson Airport.