Three people escaped unhurt on Monday after a light aircraft carrying them crash-landed at Olkiombo Airstrip in Narok West Sub-county, following a nose gear malfunction, with all occupants escaping unhurt.
The aircraft, registration number 5Y-XCB, was arriving from Nairobi to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve when the incident occurred during the landing.
Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was being piloted by Captain Mark Ross, and on board were his wife, Margaret Mungai, and Claire Clark, a staff member at Serengeti Camp.
According to the Narok County Police Commander, Patrick Lobolia, the accident occurred as the aircraft approached the runway for landing when its nose landing gear reportedly failed to lock into position.
The malfunction caused the aircraft to veer off to the right side of the runway shortly after touching down.
In a swift response, Captain Ross shut down the aircraft’s engine immediately after ground contact in an effort to minimize further risk.
The aircraft eventually came to a stop approximately 50 meters from the runway.
Despite the dramatic landing, all three occupants emerged from the aircraft unharmed and later proceeded safely to Serengeti Camp.
Lobolia further said that the security personnel from the Kenya Police Service, the Tourist Police Unit, and National Police Reservists visited the scene shortly after the incident to assess the situation and secure the area.
The aircraft remained at the crash site, even as authorities began investigations to establish the exact cause of the nose landing gear failure.
By Emmanuel Karui and Emily Kadzo
