52 fatalities

1992-04-16: De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (KAF214) — Kenya Air Force — Nairobi-Eastleigh (Moi Air Base), Kenya

Nairobi-Eastleigh (Moi Air Base), KenyaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 16, 1992, a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (registration KAF214) operated by Kenya Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Nairobi-Eastleigh (Moi Air Base), Kenya during landing or approach. 52 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the left engine failure could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211083Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced left engine failure after takeoff from Nairobi-Eastleigh Airport, stalled in low clouds, and crashed into houses in Kaloleni, killing all 46 occupants and 6 people on the ground.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after departing from runway 06 at Nairobi-Eastleigh Airport (Moi Air Base), the aircraft was in its initial climb when the left engine failed and its propeller autofeathered. The captain contacted air traffic control, declared an emergency, and received clearance to turn left. Following a left-hand circuit, the crew executed another left turn and prepared to land on runway 06. At that point, the aircraft entered an area of low clouds, causing the crew to momentarily lose visual contact with the runway. The aircraft then stalled and crashed onto several houses in the Kaloleni district, less than 2 kilometers short of the runway 06 threshold.

Casualties and Damage

The aircraft and several houses were destroyed. All 46 occupants aboard the aircraft, as well as 6 individuals on the ground, were killed.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause but noted that the exact reason for the left engine failure could not be identified.