Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Nairobi-Wilson Airport at 1558 local time on a charter flight to Samburu. On board were 12 passengers, all U.S. citizens, and two pilots. En route, the crew decided to conduct a tour over Mount Kenya before proceeding to Samburu. While cruising at an altitude of 16,500 feet in clouds, the aircraft struck the eastern slope of Point Lenana, the third highest peak of Mount Kenya. Wreckage was located 450 feet below the summit. All 14 occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain. The probable cause was the crew's failure to maintain horizontal and vertical situational awareness of the aircraft's proximity to the surrounding terrain. Several contributing factors were identified.
Contributing Factors
Investigators cited unfamiliarity with the airspace and the route, particularly the existence of high ground on the planned flight path. Inadequate flight planning by the pilots and distraction when they were instructed to contact Nanyuki were noted. Additionally, poor pilot briefing by the Wilson ATC briefing office, poor communication between air traffic control units, and the failure of the radar controller to advise the pilot of termination of radar service were factors. The lack of a radar system minimum safe altitude warning for the radar controller and poor civil-military coordination during transit through military airspace also contributed.