What happened
On 19 July 2003, a Fairchild Metroliner II (registration ZS-OYI), operated by Air 2 and owned by Ryan Blake Air Charter, crashed into the mountains of Mt. Kenya. The aircraft, which was carrying two crew members and twelve passengers, was on a chartered flight from South Africa to the Samburu National Park. After a technical stop at Wilson Airport in Nairobi for refueling and customs formalities, the aircraft departed at 1306 hrs.
While en route to Buffalo Springs, the aircraft was operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The pilot had been cleared to climb to flight level 150. At 1324 hrs, Nairobi Approach instructed the crew to contact Nanyuki for transit. The final communication from the aircraft occurred at 1328 hrs, when the pilot requested confirmation of a radio frequency. Shortly after, at 1329 hrs, the aircraft struck the southern ridge of Lenana Peak. The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the aircraft, resulting in 14 fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation involved the Kenya AAID, the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and the US National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators examined radar tracks, air traffic control transcripts, and the wreckage at the site. The investigation reviewed the pilot's training records, which noted high standards of command but also highlighted a tendency for both pilots to become overly involved in tasks rather than maintaining a clear division of duties. The team also analyzed the flight plan and the specific departure instructions provided by Wilson Tower, including the 'State House departure' procedure.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the mountain ridge at cruise speed.
- The aircraft was flying in a sector where the minimum safe level was flight level 190, while the aircraft was at flight level 150.
- The aircraft impacted the terrain while flying below the required minimum safe altitude for that sector.
- The crew was engaged in frequency confirmation and transition procedures immediately prior to the impact.