What happened
On August 22, 2012, a scheduled commercial flight operated by a Mombasa-based operator was performing a series of passenger transfers within the Masai Mara region of Kenya. The aircraft, registration 5Y-UVP, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, had previously departed from Amboseli Airstrip carrying two crew members and 17 passengers. After arriving at Ngerende Airstrip, 6 passengers disembarked, leaving 11 passengers on board for the next leg of the journey to Mara North Airstrip. No new passengers or cargo were added, and no refueling took place during the stop.
As Ngerende is an unmanned airfield, the crew followed specific communication procedures for approach and takeoff. Due to the local terrain and wind conditions, the aircraft utilized Runway 28. Following the passenger drop-off, the crew lined up on the runway and began the takeoff roll. Ground personnel present at the airfield observed a standard takeoff and rotation. However, during the early stages of the climb, the aircraft was seen veering sharply to the left before disappearing behind nearby terrain. A loud noise was subsequently heard, followed by a visible dust cloud.
The aircraft crashed approximately 310 meters from the threshold of Runway 10, positioned 30 degrees to the left of the Runway 28 extended centerline. There were 13 fatalities (comprising the crew and remaining passengers) resulting from the impact.
Findings
Ground staff reported that the takeoff run appeared normal until the aircraft reached the initial climb phase, at which point the sharp left veer occurred.