Mid-air collision involving Bluebird Aviation aircraft near Mwingi

2 fatalities • Mwingi, Kenya • Flight

A mid-air collision between two Bluebird Aviation aircraft resulted in a fatal crash 30 km south of Mwingi, claiming the lives of both pilots on board the downed plane.

What happened

A cargo flight operated by Bluebird Aviation departed from Nairobi-Wilson Airport destined for Mogadishu. The aircraft, a twin-engine plane, was transporting 1,500 kilograms of khat and was manned by a crew of two pilots.

Approximately one hour after takeoff, while maintaining cruising altitude, the aircraft collided with another Let L-410UVP also operated by Bluebird Aviation, identified by registration 5Y-VVA. Following the impact, the crew of 5Y-VVA managed to perform an emergency landing, resulting in only minor damage to that airframe.

However, the second aircraft, registration 5Y-VVD, experienced an uncontrolled descent following the collision. The plane crashed approximately 30 km south of Mwingi, resulting in two fatalities among the flight crew.

Probable cause

A mid-air collision between two aircraft operating for the same carrier.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-05-23 Let L-410 accident near Mwingi, Kenya?

A mid-air collision between two Bluebird Aviation aircraft resulted in a fatal crash 30 km south of Mwingi, claiming the lives of both pilots on board the downed plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-05-23 Let L-410 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-05-23 involved a Let L-410, registration 5Y-VVD, operated by Bluebird Aviation, at Mwingi, Kenya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A mid-air collision between two aircraft operating for the same carrier.

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