Overview
This article describes an accident involving a commercial non-scheduled flight operated by a Mombasa-based operator. The aircraft, registration 5Y-UVP, was conducting passenger flights within the Masai Mara region of Kenya.
Flight History
On 22 August 2012, the aircraft departed Amboseli Airstrip with two crew and 17 passengers, destined for Ngerende Airstrip. After disembarking six passengers at Ngerende, the remaining 11 passengers continued on the flight. The next intended destination was Mara North Airstrip. No refueling or additional cargo was taken on at Ngerende. Runway 28 was in use due to terrain and prevailing winds.
Accident Sequence
Ground staff at Ngerende Airstrip reported a normal takeoff run and rotation. During the initial climb, the aircraft was observed to veer sharply to the left before disappearing behind terrain. Shortly thereafter, a loud sound and dust were observed. Emergency search and rescue was initiated, with airport and hotel staff proceeding to the accident site. The wreckage was located approximately 310 meters from the threshold of Runway 10, offset 30 degrees to the left of the extended centerline of Runway 28. The accident occurred at 0917 UTC on 22 August 2012, during daytime.
Findings
The investigation identified several findings. The left engine was most probably not developing power at the time of impact, and the left engine propeller was most probably in feather. Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were unserviceable. The origin of a contaminant found in the left engine fuel control unit could not be determined. Additionally, sufficient oversight was not exercised over the operator, and there was high turnover of the operator’s staff.