Accident Overview
On 8 March 1987 at 0826 hours UTC, a Piper PA31-350 aircraft (registration 5Y-AST) operating a charter flight from Wilson Airport to Mara Buffalo crashed shortly after takeoff. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Flight History
The aircraft taxied to the holding point for runway 07. After receiving takeoff clearance, the pilot commenced the takeoff roll. The aircraft became airborne just before the intersection of runway 07/14. At approximately 20–30 feet above ground, a loud bang was heard. The aircraft veered off the runway centerline to the right and began losing height. The right wing tip struck the ground, and the main wreckage came to rest approximately 100 meters to the left of runway 14 and 40 meters to the right of runway 07, with a heading of 070 degrees.
Witnesses reported that shortly after the aircraft passed the intersection, a loud explosion was heard, though it was unclear whether it originated from the engines or a tyre burst. Immediately after the explosion, the aircraft turned sharply to the right and descended, striking the ground and raising a large cloud of dust.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA31-350 (Serial No. 91-7A05206), powered by two Avco Lycoming TIO-540-J2BD engines. The port engine had 5,034.05 hours since new and 67.10 hours since overhaul; the starboard engine had similar times. The propellers were Hartzell HC-E3YR-2A models. The aircraft was registered to Cooper Skybird Air Services Ltd. and Credit Finance Corporation, Mombasa. At the time of the accident, the Certificate of Airworthiness was valid and due to expire on 20 September 1987. The aircraft had been maintained per an approved schedule.
The pilot, Capt. K. Bhaloo, was a 31-year-old Kenyan male holding a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (YK-278-AL) with ratings on multiple aircraft including the Piper PA31. His total flying experience was 5,681.05 hours. The aircraft carried eight passengers, making a total of nine occupants.
Injuries and Survivability
Of the nine occupants, three were reported injured: one critically, two with minor injuries. Eight persons were treated for minor injuries and shock, while the ninth was admitted to hospital and recovered. There were no fatalities. The accident was considered survivable given the extensive impact.
Impact and Wreckage
The first impact point was marked by two parallel lines on the tarmac, approximately 10 meters before the runway 07/14 intersection. The aircraft then briefly became airborne again before impacting the ground further on the right side of runway 07. The left wing tip struck the ground, followed by the nose section. The aircraft slewed 180 degrees and came to rest about 120 meters from the first impact point. Both wings were broken, both engines detached, and the entire nose section was wrecked.
Weather and Communications
Weather at the time was fair, with winds not considered to have played a role, though a slight gust or downdraft may have contributed to the right wing tilting. Communications were routine: the pilot contacted Wilson Tower on 118.1 MHz, received taxi and takeoff clearances, and acknowledged. No further communication occurred before the crash.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot was properly qualified and experienced. The aircraft had valid certificates and had been properly maintained. The cause of the accident could not be established beyond doubt; however, the aircraft crashed as a result of loss of lift on the right side, which occurred due to an explosion.