2 fatalities

Mid-Air Collision of Two Bluebird Aviation Aircraft in Kenya (5Y-VVD)

Mwingi, KenyaFlight

On May 23, 2004, a Let L-410 (registration 5Y-VVD) operated by Bluebird Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Mwingi, Kenya in flight. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A mid-air collision occurred between two Bluebird Aviation aircraft over Kenya. One aircraft landed safely with minor damage, while the other crashed, killing both pilots.

Incident

A twin-engine aircraft departed from Nairobi-Wilson Airport on a cargo flight bound for Mogadishu. The flight was crewed by two pilots and carried a load of 1,500 kilograms of khat. Approximately one hour after departure, while at cruising altitude, the aircraft collided with a second aircraft, a Let L-410UVP registered as 5Y-VVA. Both aircraft were operated by Bluebird Aviation.

Aftermath

Following the collision, the crew of 5Y-VVA managed to perform an emergency landing and the aircraft sustained only minor damage. In contrast, the first aircraft, registered as 5Y-VVD, entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed approximately 30 kilometers south of Mwingi. Both pilots on board 5Y-VVD were killed in the crash.

Frequently asked questions

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

A mid-air collision occurred between two Bluebird Aviation aircraft over Kenya. One aircraft landed safely with minor damage, while the other crashed, killing both pilots.

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

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

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