Kenyan-registered Cargo Plane Crashes in Somalia

‍DALLAS — On March 22, a Kenyan-registered cargo aircraft operated by Trident Aviation (WMN) crashed southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia, killing all five crew members. 

The Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirmed the crash and said the ill-fated aircraft crashed in Ceel Xabaaloow, 24 kilometres (15 mi) from Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), while returning from Dhobley.

Investigation Underway

Somalian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The four crew members who died have not yet been identified, although their families have been informed. 

Meanwhile, SCAA extended condolences to the victims' families and confirmed that the aircraft, a De Havilland Canada DHC-5D Buffalo with registration 5Y-RBA, was owned by Trident Aviation Limited, a Kenyan operator.

The flight had left Dhobley and was en route to MGQ. The teams are now working to collect more information, but the SCAA said it was confident that the aircraft is operated and registered in Kenya.

Operational, Safety History

Before it crashed, the aircraft had been airdropping supplies for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops deployed in Jubaland. Dhobley is the base for the Kenyan forces deployed to AUSSOM Sector II.

Aging aircraft, harsh operating conditions, and lacking infrastructure have been conducive to recurring aviation incidents in the easternmost country in continental Africa. 

In January of this year, a careless Kenyan cargo flight also crashed during a humanitarian aid delivery mission on behalf of the World Food Programme (WFP), killing two people. In July 2024, on a domestic route, a Halla Airlines flight crashed in Mogadishu, injuring only two.

Officials are still investigating the latest accident and exploring possible contributing factors, such as mechanical failure, weather conditions, and operational issues.

The featured image shows a De Halivand DHC-5A Buffalo similar to the one involved in the accident.

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