Two killed as KWS aircraft crashes in Nanyuki
A light aircraft carrying Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel crashed on Thursday evening at the Nanyuki Airstrip, shortly after taking off.
In a statement, KWS said the victims were a pilot and a passenger.
"The aircraft under the National Air Support Department had just completed a routine patrol at Solio Rhino Sanctuary and was en route to the Meru National Park. The cause of the crash is yet to be established but investigations are underway," KWS said in a statement.
The bodies were collected from the scene and transported to Nairobi after a recovery operation by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), KWS wardens, police and other emergency service providers.
The wreckage of a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) aircraft that crashed at the Nanyuki Airstrip on February 12, 2021.
No mechanical problems
The service later said the two-seater husky aircraft, registration 5Y-KWL, did not have any mechanical problems.
KWS Assistant director in-charge of the eastern conservation area, Mr Mungumi Bakari Chongwa, further noted that the aircraft was in proper condition before the accident.
"This aircraft had been serviced and was properly maintained, and the pilot was well-trained," Mr Bakari told the Nation at the scene of the accident on Friday.
"We are waiting for officers from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) to arrive so that we can hand over the scene. They will tell us what happened because all we know is that the aircraft crashed upon take-off.”
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers guard the wreckage of a KWS aircraft that crashed at the Nanyuki Airstrip on February 12, 2021.
The aircraft was based at Meru National Park and was used for air patrols within the eastern conservation area, including Meru, Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Tana River and Garissa counties.
"KWS officials confirmed that the wreckage was found in a grassy area within the confines of the aerodrome. There was no fire," KWS said in its statement.
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