On December 24, 1968, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 5Y-ADI) operated by Kenya Police Air Wing was involved in an aviation accident near Nairobi-Wilson, Kenya during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft's weight was greater than its permitted maximum takeoff weight. 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.
A fatal aviation accident occurred near Nairobi-Wilson Airport when an aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after departure, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
An aviation accident occurred during the initial climb phase following a departure from Nairobi-Wilson Airport. Shortly after the aircraft left the runway, it experienced an aerodynamic stall, which led to a subsequent crash. There were three fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the scene.
Findings
Official investigations into the accident identified critical weight issues as a primary factor in the loss of control. The investigation concluded that the total weight of the aircraft exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), which likely contributed to the stall during the climb.
Probable cause
The aircraft's weight was greater than its permitted maximum takeoff weight.
What happened in the 24 Dec 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Nairobi-Wilson, Kenya?
A fatal aviation accident occurred near Nairobi-Wilson Airport when an aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after departure, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Dec 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Dec 1968 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 5Y-ADI, operated by Kenya Police Air Wing, at Nairobi-Wilson, Kenya.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft's weight was greater than its permitted maximum takeoff weight.
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