KCAA gives details of every moment before chopper crash in Mwihoko
By Faith Lagat, August 7, 2025The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has released a preliminary account of the tragic aircraft accident involving a Cessna Citation 560 air ambulance that crashed near Mwihoko Secondary School in Utawala on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The crash has left the nation reeling as authorities launch investigations and emergency efforts continue.
The ill-fated aircraft, registration 5Y-FDM and operating under the radio call sign FDS03, had departed Wilson Airport at 2:14 PM local time, bound for Hargeisa, Somalia, on a medical mission.
“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirms an aircraft accident involving a Cessna Citation 560 ambulance aircraft, registration: 5Y-FDM, radio call sign: FDS03, earlier this afternoon,” read part of the statement.
According to KCAA’s early findings, the aircraft lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control just three minutes into its flight—at 2:17 PM—marking the last known communication before the crash.
“Preliminary reports indicate: Departure: Wilson Airport (HKNW) at 02:14 PM local time en route to Hargeisa, Somalia; Loss of Contact: Lost both radio and radar contact with Air Traffic Control at 02:17 PM, approximately 3 minutes after takeoff; Persons On Board (POB): 4 crew and medical personnel; Crash Location: Near Mwihoko Secondary School, Utawala; Response Efforts: The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service are leading search and rescue operations on-site; the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has dispatched a team to determine the cause of the accident,” read part of the statement.
Four on board
The Cessna Citation was carrying four people on board, including crew and medical personnel. KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao confirmed the crash and expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving an air ambulance mission,” Arao said. “Our immediate priority is to support rescue efforts and provide all necessary assistance to the families affected.”
The aircraft’s sudden disappearance shortly after takeoff has raised concerns over potential mechanical failure or other technical complications. Authorities say further details will emerge following a comprehensive probe.
Rescue operations
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service have taken the lead in search and rescue operations at the crash site. The area around Mwihoko Secondary School has since been cordoned off to allow emergency teams to work with minimal disruption.
The Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has also been deployed to the scene and is expected to begin forensic assessments of the wreckage and flight path data.
“A full investigation through AAID will be conducted to establish the cause of this accident,” Arao stated, assuring the public of transparency and thoroughness in uncovering what went wrong.
Tragedy
The crash of an air ambulance has cast a sombre shadow over what was meant to be a life-saving operation. The mission’s urgency and humanitarian purpose have intensified the emotional toll of the tragedy.
As investigators piece together the final moments of flight FDS03, questions remain about whether the aircraft encountered technical issues or unexpected environmental conditions shortly after departure.
The nation now looks to the AAID for answers, while rescue teams work to bring closure to affected families.
Updates will be provided as new information emerges.