Accident Sequence
A cargo aircraft departed Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta Airport on a flight to Baidoa, Somalia. The aircraft carried three crew members and a load of 20 drums of fuel destined for the Somali interim Government in Baidoa, on behalf of the International Red Cross. Shortly after takeoff from runway 06, at a height of approximately 100 feet, the left engine lost power. The captain contacted air traffic control, declared an emergency, and received clearance for an immediate return to the airport.
After the crew secured the failed engine and feathered its propeller, they initiated a turn. During the turn, the aircraft lost altitude, collided with a power line, and subsequently crashed onto a house. The accident occurred approximately three minutes after takeoff. All three crew members were injured, but no injuries were reported on the ground.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be failure of the left engine during initial climb for undetermined reasons. Marginal weather conditions were considered a contributing factor.