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AMREF Air Ambulance Crashes in Kiambu: Six Dead Including Two on the Ground

Date: August 7, 2025
Location: Mwihoko, Githurai 45 area, Kiambu County, Kenya
Aircraft Type: Cessna 560XL Citation XLS
Registration: 5Y-FDM
Operator: African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF)
Fatalities: 4 onboard, 2 on the ground
Flight Type: Air Ambulance
Flight Route: Nairobi-Wilson Airport (HKNW) to Hargeisa Airport (HGA)
Accident Category: Fatal Accident (En Route Phase)

On the afternoon of Thursday, August 7, 2025, a Cessna 560XL Citation XLS operated by AMREF crashed in a residential area of Mwihoko, near Githurai 45 in Kiambu County, shortly after takeoff from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. The aircraft, registered as 5Y-FDM, had departed at approximately 14:12 local time on a medevac flight to Hargeisa, Somalia.

Approximately five minutes into the flight, the aircraft entered a steep and sudden descent, crashing into a populated neighborhood approximately 22 kilometers northeast of the airport. All four occupants onboard—the pilot, co-pilot, medical personnel—were killed. Additionally, two local residents lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries due to the impact and post-crash fire. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

Weather and Flight Conditions

Meteorological reports from Wilson Airport (METAR HKNW 071100Z) indicated calm wind conditions, visibility exceeding 10 kilometers, broken clouds at 2,600 feet, and a temperature of 25°C. There were no reported weather phenomena that would have significantly impacted the flight. Visibility and ceiling were well above minima, and the weather was assessed to be non-contributory to the accident.

Flight Data and Trajectory

ADS-B flight tracking data showed a normal departure and initial climb. However, within minutes of takeoff, the aircraft’s altitude rapidly decreased in what appears to be an uncontrolled descent. The descent trajectory suggests a potential in-flight emergency or system failure, although no distress call or emergency declaration was made before the crash.

The aircraft crashed into a residential compound, igniting a fire and causing structural damage to several buildings. Emergency response teams were dispatched quickly to contain the fire and provide medical assistance.

Preliminary Cause Considerations

While a formal investigation by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is ongoing, preliminary analysis points to several possible contributing factors:

1. Mechanical Failure

The abrupt loss of altitude may indicate a significant mechanical issue such as dual engine failure, flight control system malfunction, or autopilot failure. The extent of wreckage complicates initial assessment, and forensic examination is underway.

2. Crew Incapacitation

The lack of a distress signal and rapid uncontrolled descent raise the possibility that the flight crew was incapacitated or overwhelmed by a sudden emergency.

3. Electrical or Avionic Failure

As the aircraft was configured for ambulance operations, electrical overloads or equipment interference from onboard medical systems could be considered, although there is no direct evidence of this yet.

4. Bird Strike or External Factors

The flight path shortly after departure traverses areas with known bird activity. A bird strike leading to multiple engine or sensor failures cannot yet be ruled out.

Aircraft Information

The Cessna 560XL Citation XLS is a mid-size business jet widely used for corporate and medical evacuation operations. It is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B engines and advanced avionics. The aircraft involved (MSN 560-5674) had been operated by AMREF for dedicated medical services in the East African region.

Victim and Impact Summary

Fatalities (Onboard): 4 (pilot, co-pilot, medical personnel)
Fatalities (Ground): 2 (local residents)
Injuries: Several individuals sustained varying degrees of injury on the ground.
Damage: Aircraft destroyed; significant damage to residential buildings

The accident has deeply affected the local community and the humanitarian aviation sector in Kenya. AMREF has temporarily suspended similar operations pending internal reviews.

Investigation

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is leading the investigation in coordination with AMREF, law enforcement, and international safety organizations. The final report may take several months and is expected to provide clarity on the root cause of the crash.



Sources

  • Citizen Digital – "Two Killed, Others Injured as AMREF Aircraft Crashes in Mwihoko, Kiambu County"
  • Tuko Kenya – "Nairobi: Military Chopper Crashes in Mwihoko"
  • The Star – "Crashed Light Aircraft Was Headed for Somalia"
  • AMREF
  • Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
  • ADS-B Exchange – Flight tracking data for 5Y-FDM on 2025-08-07
  • METAR Data – Nairobi-Wilson Airport (HKNW)
  • JetPhotos – Image of 5Y-FDM prior to the accident

Social Media


Confidence Rating

The information provided is based on news reports and social media sources, which may not always be fully verified. This analysis is a self-effort and does not reflect official statements or conclusions. As such, the confidence rating for this data is considered unofficial and subject to further investigation.

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#AMREF #CitationXLS #AirAmbulance #PlaneCrash #Kenya #Kiambu #AviationAccident #AviationSafety #AircraftInvestigation #WilsonAirport #HargeisaFlight #KCAA

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Location: Nairobi International Airport, Wilson Airport, Karen, Langata Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

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