SOMALIA- A Kenyan cargo plane crashed southwest of Mogadishu (MGQ) on Saturday, killing all 5 people onboard. Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirmed the incident occurred approximately 24 kilometres from the capital.
The Horn of Africa region continues to face aviation safety challenges. Experts attribute the high accident rate to ageing aircraft fleets, limited infrastructure, and difficult operating conditions that test even experienced pilots.
Trident Aviation Cargo Plane; Photo- Kenya InsightsKenya Cargo Plane Crash Details
The DHC 5D Buffalo aircraft, operated by Trident Aviation, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before crashing at 14:43 UTC.
When the disaster occurred, the flight departed from Dhobley (HCDB) in the Lower Jubba region and was headed to Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu (MGQ).
“The Somali Civil Aviation Authority confirms a tragic aircraft crash 24km southwest of Mogadishu. The DHC-5D Buffalo (5Y-RBA), operated by Trident Aviation Ltd, crashed en route from Dhobley to Aden Adde International Airport. All five people on board lost their lives.”
-Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA)
Unconfirmed reports suggest four of the deceased were Kenyan nationals.
The DHC-5D Buffalo is specifically designed for short-takeoff-and-landing operations, making it suitable for transporting cargo to remote locations with challenging terrain like Dhobley, which supports the African Union’s peacekeeping mission.
Mogadishu Airport, Somalia; Photo- Mogadishu AirportRecent Aviation Incidents in Somalia
Earlier this year, another Kenyan cargo aircraft crashed in Somalia, resulting in two fatalities. The plane was carrying humanitarian supplies for the World Food Programme when it veered off the runway moments before landing, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.
In July, a domestic Halla Airlines (HGA) flight from Garowe (GGR) to Mogadishu (MGQ) experienced a runway excursion at Aden Adde International Airport. The Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft suffered landing gear collapse due to wind shear, leaving two passengers injured.
Halla Airlines; Photo- Somali MagazineKenya’s Aviation Accident History
Kenya has experienced several significant aviation incidents over the years. The country’s geographic position as East Africa’s transportation hub means its aircraft frequently operate throughout the region, including in challenging areas like Somalia.
Kenyan airlines have faced scrutiny over maintenance standards and operational safety, particularly for older aircraft serving remote locations. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority implemented stricter regulations following several high-profile incidents, but challenges persist, especially for cargo operations in conflict-affected regions.
The cross-border nature of these flights complicates investigations and oversight, as aircraft registered in Kenya often operate in neighbouring countries with different safety standards and infrastructure limitations.
Authorities from both Kenya and Somalia launched investigations into this latest crash. Recovery teams arrived at the site to retrieve remains and collect evidence to determine the cause of the accident.
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