Ninety Nines Flying School has shared fresh details after its plane was involved in an accident, mid-air shortly after taking off from Wilson Airport on Tuesday, February 5, 2024.
In a statement, the Flying School confirmed that the aircraft which collided with Safarilink Aviation Limited passenger plane belonged to them.
The aviation school further revealed that the plane was in routine training with an instructor and a student onboard. The two died in the mid-morning incident.
“It is with heavy hearts that we wish to inform our esteemed customers and the general public of a fatal accident that involved one of our aircraft while on a routine training flight today at about 0940 local time,” the statement read.
“The aircraft had two (2) crew on board, an instructor, and a student. We condole with the families, friends, and relatives of the deceased.”
Additionally, the school management said investigations to determine the cause of the accident are being carried out by the relevant authorities.
The facility also published a condolence message in remembrance Mariam Omar, the student who died in the accident.
Burial Plans for the Dead Student
In a separate statement, the institution said Omar will be buried at Lang’ata Muslim Cemetery on Wednesday, March 6.
“Prayers for our student Mariam Omar will be held today 6th March at 1pm at Masjid Nur in South C, Nairobi. Burial will be held at Langata muslim cemetery after prayers.
We are lucky to have experienced your one-of-a-kind personality. Always bubbly and cheerful, we remember you with a smile Mariam,” read the statement.
Also Read: Plane Collides with Another Midair After Takeoff From Wilson Airport
Safarilink Statement on the plane collision
Safarilink Aviation reported that the accident involved its airplane headed to Diani with 39 passengers and 5 crew on board.
In a statement, the Airline said the plane experienced a loud bang soon after take-off forcing, and the crew to turn back to Wilson Airport.
The plane landed safely and there were no casualties reported.
The relevant agencies have been notified and together with Safari link Aviation are investigating this incident. We will provide an update once we have more information.
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In another update, Safarilink revealed that the aircraft incurred was damaged to its tail and has since been withdrawn from service awaiting inspection by the regulatory authorities.
“The affected passengers on the service to Diani were boarded onto another Safarilink aircraft that departed Wilson airport at 1120 a.m. and landed safely in Diani thereafter,” read the statement.
“The Management and Board of Safarilink Aviation extend their heartfelt condolences to the crew and family of the Cessna 172 aircraft.”
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also said various agencies led by the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) and the National Police Service have commenced investigations to establish the cause of the accident.
