A close call in the skies near Nairobi, Kenya, occurred on March 5, 2024, when a Safarilink DHC-8-300 airliner carrying 39 passengers and five crew members collided mid-air with a Cessna 172 training aircraft. Shortly after departing Nairobi Wilson Airport, the Safarilink crew reported hearing a loud bang. Taking immediate action, they opted for a precautionary return landing at the same airport.
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Thankfully, the Safarilink aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew onboard emerged unharmed. Meanwhile, the Cessna 172, which was carrying two people, tragically crashed in the Nairobi National Park area following the collision. Sadly, both individuals on board the smaller plane lost their lives.
Kenyan authorities, including the Air Accident Investigation Department and the National Police Service, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the mid-air collision.
Safarilink expressed their condolences to the families of those who perished in the Cessna and confirmed their aircraft sustained minor damage during the incident and is undergoing thorough inspection. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of air traffic control and adherence to safety protocols for all aircraft operating in shared airspace.