The AMREF Flying Doctors aircraft that crashed in Mwihoko, Githurai, killing six people, was a medically equipped Cessna Citation XLS jet.
The aircraft, tail number 5Y-FDM, had taken off from Wilson Airport on Thursday afternoon, heading to Hargeisa, Somalia, on a medical evacuation mission. It crashed approximately three minutes after takeoff, hitting residential homes and catching fire.
The deceased include four AMREF crew members and two civilians on the ground. No patients were onboard at the time.
The Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has launched a probe to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators will analyse the aircraft’s black box, maintenance records, and communication logs to reconstruct the final moments of the flight.
AMREF Flying Doctors said it is cooperating fully with the relevant aviation and emergency response authorities. “At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts,” the organisation said in a statement.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing unusual engine noises before the jet descended rapidly and crashed into homes. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed property and left several residents shaken.
The aircraft was a Cessna Citation XLS, part of the 560XL series manufactured by Textron Aviation. The model is commonly used for executive and medical evacuation flights due to its ability to operate from short runways and under challenging conditions.
AMREF Flying Doctors had modified the jet for medical evacuations, equipping it with a stretcher, defibrillators, an oxygen supply, and space for onboard medics. The aircraft can typically carry 7 to 9 passengers and has a pressurised cabin suitable for critical care in transit.
The plane was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B turbofan engines and had a cruising speed of about 802 km/h. Aviation records indicate it had previously operated in Europe and South Africa before joining AMREF’s fleet in Kenya.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the aircraft had undergone routine inspections and was cleared for flight on the day of the incident.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 pm, shortly after takeoff.
AMREF has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and described the fallen crew as dedicated professionals committed to saving lives. The organisation, founded in 1957, has played a critical role in providing emergency medical services across Africa, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Further updates will be provided once the investigation progresses.
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