Cause of Mwihoko air ambulance crash remains undetermined in preliminary AAID report

Kiambu County, Kenya — 2025-09-05 EAT.

Kenya’s preliminary Aircraft Accident Investigations Department (AAID) report into the Amref air ambulance crash in Mwihoko on August 7 finds no evidence of adverse weather or maintenance failure; the cause remains unknown.

The Latest

• The AAID ruled out weather and confirmed the aircraft was properly maintained. Investigators are still examining flight data recorders, engine systems, and other evidence to identify probable causes. 

• The crash occurred at approximately 14:17, three minutes after takeoff from Wilson Airport, on route to Hargeisa. The plane lost radar and radio contact before crashing into a residential building.

• All six lives were lost—four onboard (two pilots, a doctor, a nurse) and two on the ground. Several others sustained injuries.Fire and impact destroyed the aircraft and part of the building. Wreckage was disturbed by emergency responders and well-wishers, complicating the investigation. 

• The FDR and CVR are being examined in a joint black box analysis set for late September to early October, involving AAID, NTSB (USA), TSB (Canada), engine manufacturers, AMREF, and KCAA.

Context in Brief

• The Cessna Citation 560XLS, tail 5Y-FDM, crashed shortly after takeoff in a medical evacuation mission, striking a residential home.

• AAID protocols require a preliminary report within a month and a final report within 12 months; interim statements may follow if needed. 

• The crash triggered multi-agency response, including KCAA and international aviation bodies in line with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines. 

Law, Policy, and Process

• IC​AO Annex 13 mandates Kenya, as state of registry, operator, and occurrence, to involve design and manufacture states in the probe.

• Process: Preliminary report issued; flight recorders dispatched abroad; joint readout scheduled; final report expected within 12 months.

Voices and Stakeholders

• AAID Acting Director Fred Kabunge: Preliminary findings released to comply with local and international standards; investigation ongoing. 

• No public comments from AMREF or KCAA in this report. The final outcome hinges on black box analysis

Evidence & Data

• Timeline:

  • 14:14 – Takeoff from Wilson Airport.

  • 14:17 – Aircraft crashes into a residential building.

  • Within one month – Preliminary report issued.

  • Late Sept–Early Oct – Black box analysis scheduled. 

• Fatalities: 6 total—4 onboard; 2 on ground.

• Witness reports: Smoke seen from right side; aircraft spinning before impact.

• Maintenance check: Aircraft serviced on July 22, 2025, with records verifying airworthiness. 

Risks and Implications

• Delay in cause determination may fuel speculation and public unease.

• Disturbance of wreckage could impair evidence integrity.

• International collaboration is critical for credibility and compliance.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• The root or contributing cause(s) of the crash.

• Precise content of the FDR/CVR readout.

• Fault assignment (pilot error, mechanical, etc.) or safety recommendations.

• Potential aviation regulation changes post-report.

Timeline

• 2025-08-07 ~14:17 – Crash occurs.

• 2025-09-05 – Preliminary report released.

• Late Sept–Early Oct 2025 – Black box analysis scheduled.

• By August 2026 – Final report expected, or interim update issued.

What to Watch

• Outcomes of CVR/FDR analysis and any pilot communications.

• AAID’s final report and safety recommendations.

• Regulatory responses, including possible AMREF or KCAA procedural reviews.

• Public and aviation industry reaction to findings.