Flight History
On 13 August 2024, at 1445 UTC (1745 local time), an Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft with registration 5Y-CLI departed IL Talal Airstrip in Chyulu, Makueni County, Kenya. The flight was a commercial aerial firefighting mission operated by Farmland Aviation Limited. The pilot conducted a firefighting run approximately 7.5 nautical miles (13.89 km) north of the airstrip, which was completed successfully. During the return leg, while descending toward the airstrip, the engine experienced a flameout.
Forced Landing and Accident
The pilot performed a forced landing in a remote area of Chyulu Hills. Upon touchdown, the aircraft collided with terrain and subsequently rotated about 180 degrees, coming to rest facing the intended direction of flight.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft involved was an Air Tractor AT-802 manufactured in 2024 by Air Tractor Inc., serial number 802-1100, registered in Kenya on 19 April 2024. It was equipped with a single Pratt & Whitney engine. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License and had accumulated 14,230.3 flight hours. There was one person on board, the pilot.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained minor damage. The pilot reported no injuries.
Investigation
The accident was notified to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) of Kenya, which deployed investigators to the site. The occurrence was classified as an accident. The AAID notified the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States as the state of design and manufacture of the aircraft, and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada as the state of design and manufacture of the engine. The investigation resulted in a final report.