What happened
A flight operated by Westwind Aviation Ltd, involving the aircraft 5Y-NOL (noted as 5Y-NJS in records), was conducting a series of private legs between Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret. After departing Wilson Airport at 0420Z, the aircraft completed legs to Kisumu and Eldoret, eventually departing Eldoret for a return trip to Nairobi with three people on board.
While cruising at flight level 250 approximately 42NM from the Eldoret VOR, the aircraft received clearance to fly direct to the GV VOR. During the descent toward flight level 100, the crew encountered severe weather conditions that caused heavy ice accumulation on the wings. Despite the activation of the aircraft's deicing systems, the icing continued to build.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the pilot requested permission to descend to the Monstry fix for an approach into Wilson Airport. During this descent, the left engine failed. Shortly after, the right engine also ceased operation. The pilot initiated an emergency landing at Ngong Racecourse. During the touchdown, the left wing struck trees, causing the left engine, the left main landing gear, and the wing itself to separate from the airframe. The aircraft spun 180 degrees during the incident. There were zero fatalities and all three occupants escaped the wreckage without injury, though the Boelet/aircraft type (not specified, but identified as the involved airframe) was destroyed.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered severe weather characterized by heavy wing icing that the onboard deicing systems could not mitigate.
- The flight experienced a total loss of power following the sequential failure of both the left and right engines during the descent.