The Ministry of Roads and Transport has released the final investigation report on a ground loss of control incident involving a Renegade Air Limited Fokker 70 aircraft (registration 5Y-MMB) at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, on March 26, 2024.
The aircraft had taken off from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 0639 (0939) for a repositioning flight to Wilson Airport and touched down on runway 07 (RWY 07) of Wilson Airport at 0649 (0949).
During the 180° turn to backtrack, the aircraft’s nose landing gear veered off to the right of runway 25 and got stuck in the soft, muddy ground.
The three occupants suffered no injuries, and there was no pre- or post-incident fire or fuel leakage.
The report found that the aircraft was on a repositioning flight with three occupants, all of whom were uninjured.
Crew’s Fault That Led to Renegade Air Aircraft Ground Incident
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID), the exact cause of the ground loss of control incident was the crew’s incorrect execution of a turnaround on the runway.
“The probable cause of the incident was that the crew incorrectly performed a turnaround on the runway, resulting in the aircraft being partially displaced off the runway into terrain unsuitable for its further movement,” read the report in part.
AAID noted that the technique used by the crew to turn was not optimal, and the risk was not sufficiently assessed prior to its execution.
It was also revealed that the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was not in conformity with the current regulations.
The investigation noted that at the time of the incident, the weather conditions were within the limits for VFR operations and considered suitable for the flight.
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Findings and Recommendations
Furthermore, the report stated that the width of RWY 07 (24 m) was sufficient to make a 180° turnaround (the minimum required width of pavement for 180° turns is 18.87 m)
It was also established that the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness operating within its weight and center of gravity limits
The crew held valid Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Class 1 Medical Certificates, which entitled the two to act as the PIC and FO of the incident flight.
“The crew carried out normal radio communications with the relevant Air Traffic Controls (ATC) units,” the report noted.
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AAID issued several safety recommendations following the incident it urging KCAA to ensure that the operator’s aircraft fleet fully complies with existing regulations governing flight recorders.
The agency also recommended that KCAA strengthen its oversight to ensure that all operators with aircraft in the relevant category adhere to these regulations.
Additionally, the Authority was advised to verify the authenticity of Flight Data Recorder (FDR) information submitted during the issuance or renewal of Certificates of Airworthiness.
“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, in conjunction with the operator, monitors the operator’s progress in implementation of its SOPs and corrective action plan taken to mitigate risks,” read the report further.
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