Kenya launches probe into air crash that killed pilots

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has confirmed the death of two of the pilots attached to the Kenya Air Force — the service tasked to protect the country's airspace, in the latest tragedy that could raise concerns over the safety of the aircraft.

According to the KDF, the deceased (whose names are yet to be revealed due to KDF protocols) were on a routine training flight in South Coast within Kwale County at the time the aircraft, Grob 120A, crashed in an open space.

Yesterday, a Kenya Air Force Grob 120A experienced an emergency while on a training flight and crashed in Mwakijembe general area in Kwale County. On board were two pilots," KDF said.

Already, a team of specialists from the Kenya Air Force have been dispatched to the area for investigations before a comprehensive report is made for public consumption and records as enshrined in KDF doctrines.

"With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of the two pilots. Kenya Air Force has constituted and dispatched investigation teams to establish the cause of the air crash," the military said.

The aircraft crash takes place a few months after KDF released the report into the crash that killed 9 senior KDF officers and service members a year ago in North Rift — including the then Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

General Ogolla and the team were visiting KDF troops tasked with Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which targets bandits. He was inspecting several projects done by the military in the bandit-prone zone, including renovations of schools.

Several aircraft attached to the KDF have crashed, even in neighbouring Somalia, where the KDF is involved in a peacekeeping mission. Experts have previously demanded thorough investigations to establish KDF procurement processes, which they link to the malfunctioning of aircraft.

GAROWE ONLINE