Date: 5th March 2024
Location: Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Aircraft 1: Safarilink Dash 8-300, registration 5Y-SLK
Aircraft 2: Ninety-Nines Flying School Cessna 172, registration 5Y-NNJ
Operator: Safarilink Aviation and Ninety-Nines Flying School
Occupants (Dash 8): 39 passengers, 5 crew (No injuries reported)
Occupants (Cessna 172): 2 occupants (Fatal injuries)
Summary of Events
On 5th March 2024, a Safarilink Dash 8-300, flight F2-53, departing Nairobi Wilson Airport for Diani, collided midair with a Ninety-Nines Flying School Cessna 172 on a training mission. The collision occurred over Nairobi National Park shortly after takeoff. The Dash 8 sustained damage to its tail but landed safely at Wilson Airport. The Cessna spiraled into the National Park, where it crashed, tragically killing both occupants onboard.
Aircraft Information
1. Safarilink Dash 8-300
• Registration: 5Y-SLK
• Type: Regional Turboprop
• Role: Scheduled Passenger Service
2. Cessna 172
• Registration: 5Y-NNJ
• Type: Light Aircraft
• Role: Training Mission
Sequence of Events
Cessna 172 (5Y-NNJ)
• Conducting a training circuit flight, performing touch-and-go landings on runway 07.
• After completing the third circuit, the aircraft was climbing through the upwind leg of runway 07.
Dash 8-300 (5Y-SLK)
• Departed runway 14 at Wilson Airport on a scheduled passenger flight to Diani.
• During climb, the crew reported seeing traffic at their 8 o’clock position, which appeared clear of conflict.
• At approximately 6,000 feet, the Dash 8 crew reported hearing a loud bang, followed by an imbalance in flight characteristics.
Collision and Aftermath
• Both aircraft were operating within the aerodrome circuit under visual flight rules (VFR).
• The collision caused the Cessna to spiral to the ground, crashing in Nairobi National Park.
• The Dash 8 immediately returned to Wilson Airport and landed safely on runway 32.
Initial Findings
Dash 8-300 Damage
• Inspection revealed damage to the right horizontal stabilizer’s leading edge, with part of the de-icing boot missing.
• No additional structural damage was identified.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communications
• The Safarilink Dash 8 was cleared for takeoff from runway 14 with traffic information regarding the Cessna on runway 07.
• The Cessna received similar traffic information from ATC.
Cessna Wreckage
• Located in Nairobi National Park, approximately 1.5 km from Wilson Airport.
• Both occupants of the Cessna sustained fatal injuries.
Weather Conditions
• Clear weather suitable for visual flight rules (VFR) operations.
• Weather was not considered a factor in the incident.
Contributing Factors
1. Traffic Coordination and Situational Awareness:
• Both aircraft were operating in close proximity within the aerodrome circuit.
• Misjudgment or insufficient situational awareness may have contributed to the collision.
2. Communication and Conflict Avoidance:
• Despite ATC traffic advisories, neither crew took evasive action.
• The pilots’ visual assessments of conflict potential were inadequate.
3. Aerodrome Circuit Management:
• Concurrent operations on intersecting runways with no formal separation standard increased collision risk.
Safety Risks
1. Midair Collisions in Aerodrome Circuits:
• Operating in close proximity under VFR increases collision risk, particularly near intersecting runways.
2. Passenger Safety:
• The structural damage to the Dash 8 posed a risk of control loss, endangering passengers and crew.
3. Operational and Environmental Impact:
• The crash in Nairobi National Park posed challenges for rescue and investigation efforts due to difficult terrain.
Recommendations
1. Review of ATC Procedures:
• Enhance separation standards and monitoring for aircraft operating in intersecting circuits.
2. Enhanced Traffic Awareness Tools:
• Introduce technologies like Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to improve situational awareness for pilots and ATC.
3. Pilot Training:
• Provide enhanced training on collision avoidance techniques and traffic management within busy aerodromes.
4. Airfield Management:
• Implement stricter protocols for simultaneous operations on intersecting runways.
5. Investigation of Contributing Factors:
• Examine ATC communication, pilot decision-making, and procedural adherence during the incident.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the inherent risks of operating in aerodrome circuits with intersecting flight paths. Improved situational awareness, enhanced communication, and stricter procedural compliance are essential to prevent future occurrences. The tragic loss of life highlights the critical need for robust safety measures in aerodrome operations.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
