Pilot injured in light plane crash near Tanzania border
A light plane crashed at the Olderkersi hill about 200km from Narok town (shown in map with red icon) en route to Wilson Airport from Maasai Mara Game Reserve on July 6, 2016. The pilot, the only one on-board, suffered injuries and was admitted at a Narok hospital. IMAGE: GOOGLE MAP
What you need to know:
- Narok police boss said the pilot, John Monde, was the only passenger on board in the 3pm incident.
- Pilot is recovering at the Narok Hospital, but there are plans to airlift him to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
A pilot is recovering at a Narok hospital after he was seriously injured in light plane crash at Olderkesi hill along the Kenya-Tanzania border on Wednesday afternoon.
Narok South Police boss Phillip Kirui said the light aircraft 5Y AUN was flying from the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve to Wilson Airport in Nairobi when it developed mechanical problems at Esoit division in Narok West sub-County about 200 kilometers from Narok town.
Mr Kipkirui confirmed that the Pilot, Mr John Monde, was the only passenger on-board in the 3pm incident.
He said the pilot was rushed to Cottars Safaris Camp health centre at Oloolaimutia area where he is receiving treatment.
“The pilot received multiple injuries all over the body but is now out of danger after receiving treatment. Efforts are underway to fly him to Nairobi for further check ups and specialised treatment,” said Mr Kirui.
By the time of going to press, investigators and a team of Flying Doctors Services were on their way to the scene to establish the cause of the accident.
“The pilot is recuperating at the health centre. He was involved in the accident minutes after taking off at Keekorok airstrip and was forced to crash land,” said Mr Kirui who spoke to Nation on phone.
Mr Nkini Lemara, who witnessed the accident, said he saw the aircraft hovering before it crashed.
“It came down tumbling, raked through thickets before it over turned and came to a halt,” said the herder who also helped rescue the pilot.
In 2012, two Kenyan pilots and two German tourists were killed in a plane crash in the reserve after a similar crash at Enkerede airstrip.
The aircraft was carrying 11 passengers, including five Germans, four Americans and two Czechs.
(Editing by Joel Muinde)
