Aircraft collision with wildlife at Kichwa Tembo Airport

No fatalities • Kichwa Tembo, Kenya • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained significant damage after striking two wildebeests during the landing phase at Kichwa Tembo Airport.

What happened

An aircraft departed from Nairobi-Wilson Airport and proceeded on a routine flight to Kichwa Tembo Airport. The flight proceeded without incident until the arrival phase, during which the crew performed a landing on a gravel runway.

Immediately following touchdown, the aircraft struck two wildebeests on the runway. The force of the impact caused the left main landing gear to be severed from the airframe. Following the collision, the aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway before coming to a complete stop.

Findings

There were no fatalities or injuries among the occupants, all of whom were able to evacuate the aircraft safely. While the crew escaped unharmed, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss. The collision resulted in the deaths of both animals involved in the impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck wildlife on the runway during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-08-16 De Havilland DHC-8-200 (Dash-8) accident near Kichwa Tembo, Kenya?

An aircraft sustained significant damage after striking two wildebeests during the landing phase at Kichwa Tembo Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 2019-08-16 De Havilland DHC-8-200 (Dash-8) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-08-16 involved a De Havilland DHC-8-200 (Dash-8), registration 5Y-SLM, operated by Safarilink, at Kichwa Tembo, Kenya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck wildlife on the runway during the landing roll.

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