No fatalities

Aircraft crash following takeoff from roadway (XP776)

Bura, KenyaTakeoff (climb)

On December 29, 1963, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration XP776) operated by British Army Air Corps was involved in an aviation accident near Bura, Kenya during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees shortly after departing from a road, leading to structural damage and an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a loss of control and subsequent crash after departing from an unpaved road, resulting in injuries to all occupants.

What happened

Following its departure from a roadway, the aircraft encountered significant difficulties during the initial climb. During this early phase of flight, the plane made contact with several trees, which resulted in the tail wheel being completely severed from the airframe.

As a result of the impact and structural damage, the aircraft entered a stall condition. The subsequent loss of lift led to a crash into an adjacent field. There were four injuries reported among the people on board, though no fatalities were documented in this incident.

Findings

  • The collision with vegetation caused critical structural failure of the landing gear.
  • The aircraft stalled following the impact with trees during the takeoff sequence.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees shortly after departing from a road, leading to structural damage and an aerodynamic stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 1963 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Bura, Kenya?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control and subsequent crash after departing from an unpaved road, resulting in injuries to all occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Dec 1963 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 1963 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration XP776, operated by British Army Air Corps, at Bura, Kenya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees shortly after departing from a road, leading to structural damage and an aerodynamic stall.