Aircraft crash near Nairobi-Embakasi

13 fatalities • Nairobi, Kenya • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight transporting support personnel and equipment crashed into a mountainside west of Nairobi, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

While performing a descent toward Nairobi from the western approach, an aircraft carrying equipment and personnel intended for the Aurora 7 recovery mission struck a mountain slope. The incident occurred approximately 32 km west of the Nairobi-Embakasi airport. Prior to the impact, the flight had been engaged in a holding pattern. The aircraft hit terrain that was obscured by heavy cloud cover and low visibility.

Findings

  • The crash resulted in 13 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.
  • The accident occurred during the descent phase of flight.
  • Poor weather conditions and restricted visibility were primary factors at the time of the collision.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds and low visibility during its approach to Nairobi.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-05-17 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Nairobi, Kenya?

A flight transporting support personnel and equipment crashed into a mountainside west of Nairobi, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-05-17 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-05-17 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 56-0546, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Nairobi, Kenya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds and low visibility during its approach to Nairobi.

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