On October 5, 1993, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration 5Y-JJB) operated by Jama Guled Abdi was involved in an aviation accident near Nairobi-Wilson, Kenya during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the nose gear was precipitated by a hard landing and subsequent bounce during the final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane sustained significant damage after a hard landing and subsequent nose gear failure during approach to Nairobi-Wilson Airport.
What happened
During the final approach to runway 07 at Nairobi-Wilson Airport, a twin-engine airplane experienced a sudden loss of altitude during the final segment of its flight. The aircraft impacted the runway with significant force, resulting in a subsequent bounce. Following a second heavy impact with the ground, the aircraft continued its movement toward the apron, at which point the nose landing gear collapsed.
While the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, there were no fatalities or injuries reported in the incident. Environmental conditions at the time of the accident were characterized by good visibility, though the area was experiencing strong winds.
Findings
The aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during the last segment of the approach.
A sequence of heavy landings and a bounce preceded the structural failure of the gear.
Strong wind conditions were present during the approach phase.
Probable cause
The collapse of the nose gear was precipitated by a hard landing and subsequent bounce during the final approach.