What happened
On 22 August 2012, a Let 410 operated by Mombasa Air Safari crashed during a commercial flight in the Masai Mara. The aircraft, registration 5Y-UVP, had arrived at Ngerende Airstrip from Amboseli Airstrip, disembarking six passengers. Following a short stopover, the aircraft departed Ngerende at 09:17 for its next destination, Mara North Airstrip, carrying two crew members and 11 passengers.
During the initial climb, witnesses at the unmanned airstrip observed the aircraft veer sharply to the left. The aircraft subsequently struck the terrain approximately 310 meters from the end of Runway 28. The impact caused the fuselage to break into three distinct sections, with the cockpit area being completely destroyed. The accident resulted in 4 fatal injuries and 3 serious injuries, while six passengers escaped with minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was found in a field of low vegetation. The inspection revealed that both engines had detached from their mounts during the collision. A strip inspection of the left-hand engine's fuel control unit (FCU) identified signs of contamination, specifically affecting the fuel metering needle. Analysis of the left-hand propeller suggested the blades were in the feathered position and rotating at low speed at the moment of impact, indicating the engine was likely not producing sufficient power.
Furthermore, the investigation found that both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were unserviceable and failed to record any data pertinent to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the operator's recent regulatory history, noting that a KCAA inspection just weeks prior had identified significant deficiencies in pilot training records and operational proficiency checks.
Findings
- The left-hand engine was most likely failing to develop adequate power during the climb.
- Contamination within the fuel control unit of the left-hand engine was a key factor identified during engine strip inspections.
- The aircraft's flight recorders were not functional at the time of the accident.
- There was insufficient regulatory oversight of the operator's operations.
- The operator experienced high staff turnover.