What happened
During a flight from Mombasa to Kichwa Tembo, the pilot received reports regarding a recent accident involving a DC-3 at Musiara Airstrip. In an attempt to provide passengers with a view of the scene, the pilot initiated a low-altitude pass over the airfield.
While the aircraft was maneuvering at approximately 250 feet, it struck a white-backed vulture. The impact caused the bird to penetrate the cockpit windshield, resulting in the immediate death of the pilot. Following the strike, the crew lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently crashed into an open field. The impact was followed by a post-crash fire. There were nine fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a bird strike involving a white-backed vulture.
- The incident occurred during a low-altitude flight phase intended for sightseeing.