What happened
A flight departing from Moi Air Base in Nairobi was en route to Marsabit to facilitate a mediation process between local communities regarding water and grazing resources. The aircraft, a twin engine plane, was carrying a Kenyan Government delegation that included two ministers.
As the aircraft approached Marsabit Airport, the crew encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by low-hanging cloud cover. During this approach phase, the aircraft struck a hillside located a short distance from the airport. The impact resulted in 14 fatalities and left three passengers seriously injured.
Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain. This occurred because the crew proceeded with their approach at an altitude that was unsafe given the marginal weather conditions and limited visibility present at the time.