On August 16, 2019, a De Havilland DHC-8-200 (Dash-8) (registration 5Y-SLM) operated by Safarilink was involved in an aviation accident near Kichwa Tembo, Kenya during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control upon landing following a ground collision with two wildebeests. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft collided with two wildebeests after landing on a gravel runway at Kichwa Tembo Airport, causing left main gear to detach. All occupants evacuated safely; aircraft damaged beyond repair.
Accident Details
An aircraft operating a flight from Nairobi-Wilson Airport experienced an incident upon landing at Kichwa Tembo Airport. The flight to the gravel runway was described as uneventful. After touchdown, the aircraft struck two wildebeests that were present on the runway.
Sequence of Events
Upon impact with the animals, the left main landing gear was torn off. The aircraft subsequently veered off the left side of the runway and came to a stop. All occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft itself sustained substantial damage and was declared beyond economical repair. Both wildebeests involved in the collision were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of control upon landing following a ground collision with two wildebeests.