This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, a Fly Safarilink commercial aircraft narrowly escaped disaster after hitting wildebeests while landing at the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara reserve.
The Dash 8 aircraft, registered as 5Y-SLM, was involved in the incident after the wildebeests ran across the runway as the aircraft landed at 1 pm, according to the company.
Fortunately, all passengers and crew on board the aircraft were safe and uninjured, as confirmed by the airline in a statement.
Although there are no airports in the Mara, several landing strips are located within its ecosystem, where commercial planes drop and pick passengers before returning to Nairobi.
Safarilink operates flights from Wilson to various landing strips, including Keekorok, Mara North, Musiara, Serena, Angama, Olkiombo, and Kichwa Tembo.
During peak seasons, the wildebeests are known to wander freely in the reserve, grazing in large numbers near the strips, posing a risk to aircraft operations.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by airlines operating in the Maasai Mara, where wildlife and human activities often intersect.
