Poor Weather Blamed in Early Findings on Kwale Plane Crash

Kenya, 29 November 2025 - Initial probe into the 28 October 2025 Kwale plane crash now points strongly to poor weather as the main factors behind the fatal accident which killed 10 European tourists and a local pilot, a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has said.

The report reveals that the Mombasa Air Safari Cessna 208B flew into hilly terrain at Tsimba Golini while in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Investigators say the aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite weather that did not support it.

According to the AAID, “the weather conditions at Diani airport, along the flight path, and in Matuga, Kwale region and its environs were low clouds and decreased visibility caused by heavy fog and rain.”

Witnesses also told investigators that visibility was severely reduced at the time of the crash. “Eye witnesses reported the weather condition… as low clouds and decreased visibility caused by heavy fog and rain. Similar weather conditions were observed at the time and airport of departure.”

Radar and wreckage findings suggest the aircraft struck the hillside while under power. The investigators note that the Caravan “impacted the slight slope terrain in a high-energy, nose-down attitude”, and that part of its nose was buried “about 2.2 metres into the ground.”

The report also highlights the lack of ground-based navigation aids along the route, noting that “there are no available navigational aids at the departure and destination aerodromes.”