The plane involved in a mid-air collision that claimed the life of a trainee pilot and the instructor in Nairobi was involved in two other prior accidents.
According to a report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation department of the ministry of transport, both other incidences involved the same pilot and the Ninety Nine Training School.
The aircraft, a CESNA 5Y-NNJ, of the serial number 172-65726 was manufactured in 1976 and registered in August 2018.
Following investigations, the ministry of transport’s department indicated that prior to the fatal accident, the aircraft had been involved in a serious accident in January 2022.
Details of the 2022 Plane Accident
The pilot in training, who was flying alone at the time, failed to land the aircraft properly at Wilson airport.
Subsequently, the plane hit the ground and bounced into the air at the first attempt to land the plane. on the second attempt, the nozzle of the plane hit the ground, damaging the aircraft.
Further, the Aircraft Accident Investigation department reported that the pilot on board had been cleared to fly alone as he had 88.4 hours of flight and had successfully executed three other flights.
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The probable cause of the incident was reported to have been “the pilot’s failure to follow balked landing procedures following a bounced landing resulting in propeller strike, detachment of the nose landing gear wheel assembly, fork and subsequent damage to the aircraft.”
Following the incident, the ministry advised that the training school enhances its training for the students learning how to fly to enable them to handle emergencies better.
“The ninety-nine flying school reviews and enhances its safety management systems, and training programs to improve students’ readiness to execute emergency maneuvers and to proper record training on emergency maneuvers in the pilot training files,” the school was advised.
The First Red Flag
However, earlier in October 2020, while the plane was taking off from Wilson Airport for a cross country flight, it experienced trouble. Although a trainee pilot and the trainer were meant to fly to Narok and back, the incident stopped their journey.
The report indicated that strange noise was heard coming from the propeller during takeoff.
Additionally, the student pilot on board attempted to land the plane but it went over the edge of the runway and landed in the grassy area nearby. The plane sustained damage from the incident.
Both the trainer and trainee were unhurt from, and the incident was recorded as a minor incident.
Following the incident, the school was advised to ensure student pilots are adequately trained for operations in abnormal conditions.
“Need for training organizations to enhance the CESSNA 172 training program to ensure student pilots are adequately trained for operations in abnormal conditions, and for the instructor pilot to remind student pilot about correct aircraft handling techniques, before landing during emergencies,” the school was advised.
Also Read: Plane Collides with Another Midair After Takeoff From Wilson Airport
Statement From the Flying School
Following the incident, the Ninety Nines Flying School in a statement, confirmed that the aircraft which collided with Safarilink Aviation Limited passenger plane belonged to them.
In addition, the aviation school revealed that the plane was on 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,” the institution said.
