Introduction
On 26 March 2024, a Salaam Air/Renegade Air Fokker 70, registration 5Y-MMB, operating a repositioning flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (HKJK) to Wilson Airport (HKNW) in Nairobi, Kenya, suffered a runway excursion while attempting a turn on the runway after landing.
The nose landing gear veered off the paved surface and became stuck in soft ground. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained minimal damage.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: Fokker 70
• Operator: Salaam Air / Renegade Air
• Registration: 5Y-MMB
• Flight Route: Jomo Kenyatta International (HKJK) → Wilson Airport (HKNW)
• Date: 26 March 2024
• Occupants: Unknown
• Injuries: None reported
• Final Outcome: Aircraft suffered a runway excursion during a turnaround after landing
Sequence of Events
Repositioning Flight & Landing
• The aircraft departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 06:39 local time (03:39 UTC) for a short repositioning flight to Wilson Airport.
• The flight was uneventful, and the aircraft landed on runway 07 at Wilson Airport at 06:49 local time (03:49 UTC).
Runway Excursion During Turnaround
• Wilson Airport lacks a dedicated taxiway, requiring aircraft to perform a 180-degree turn on the runway before backtracking to exit.
• During the turnaround maneuver, the crew misjudged the turn radius, causing the nose landing gear to veer off the paved surface.
• The aircraft’s nose wheel sank into the soft, muddy ground, preventing further movement.
• No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained minor or no damage.
Investigation & Findings
1. Crew Misjudgment of Turn Radius
• The primary cause of the excursion was the crew’s miscalculation of the required turn radius.
• The nose gear left the paved surface before the turn was completed, leading to the aircraft becoming stuck in unsuitable terrain.
2. Runway Design & Operational Limitations
• Wilson Airport lacks a full parallel taxiway, requiring aircraft to perform backtracking maneuvers.
• The runway’s limited width and turning space may have contributed to the miscalculation.
3. Soft Ground Conditions
• The soft and muddy ground beyond the paved surface prevented the aircraft from maneuvering back onto the runway.
• The nose gear became embedded in the terrain, leading to the aircraft’s immobilization.
4. No Mechanical or System Failures
• Investigators found no evidence of mechanical faults, flight control issues, or system failures contributing to the incident.
Survivability & Emergency Response
• All occupants disembarked safely, and no emergency evacuation was required.
• Airport authorities quickly responded, assisting with aircraft recovery.
• The aircraft was removed from the soft ground and repositioned for inspection.
Conclusion
The Salaam Air/Renegade Air Fokker 70 suffered a runway excursion at Wilson Airport due to a miscalculated turn radius while backtracking on the runway. The aircraft’s nose gear veered into soft ground, becoming stuck, but no injuries or significant damage were reported.
Authorities have recommended better crew awareness of Wilson Airport’s operational constraints, particularly runway turnaround procedures, to prevent future occurrences.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information as of 18 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
