KDF launches probe into Kwale air crash that killed pilots

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched an investigation into a fatal air crash that claimed the lives of two Kenya Air Force pilots.

The Saturday afternoon incident involved a Grob 120A aircraft, which was on a routine training flight.

KDF said it experienced an emergency and crashed in the vicinity of Mwakijembe Primary School, Mafundani village, Kwale County.

In a statement, KDF confirmed that both pilots on board the aircraft died in the incident.

It added that a team of investigators has been dispatched to the scene to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

This, as it conveyed its condolences to the family.

“May the Almighty Lord rest the souls of the departed heroes in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of deep sorrow,” a statement issued reads in part.

The incident joins a concerning history of KDF and military aircraft accidents in recent years, particularly involving training planes and helicopters.

In April 2024, a military chopper claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other officers.

It involved a Bell UH‑1H Huey II.

Two other KDF pilots were in November 2023 admitted to a hospital after their chopper crashed in the Kisamis area, Kajiado West.

The Fennec helicopter hit a power cable as it flew to Nairobi. 

Officials said the incident happened on November 9.

It was the second such Fennec helicopter to crash in four months. In July 2023, a similar chopper crashed in Chemolingot stadium in Baringo County.

The chopper was carrying officials who were part of the entourage accompanying Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on a security tour of the volatile region.

KDF said the helicopter hit a tree and crashed during takeoff. All persons onboard, including government officials, escaped unhurt.

On September 18, 2023, at least eight KDF personnel died in a helicopter crash in Lamu County.

Defence headquarters said the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter crashed at night while on night patrol.

In November, an unknown number of people who were on board a military chopper were injured when it crashed moments after take-off from Buna Hospital in Wajir North.

The Mi17 Kenya Air Force chopper was badly damaged after it dropped to the ground as the pilot tried to lift off.

In 2021, a military chopper crashed in the Oltepesi area, a few kilometres from Kisamis in Kajiado, killing 10 Kenya Air Force personnel while 13 others sustained injuries.