This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
On October 27, 2019, a Silverstone Air Fokker 50 aircraft, registration 5Y-SMT, clipped a Beechcraft King Air 200, registration 5-SSB, registered to East African Safari Express Limited, at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to Silverstone Air, the incident occurred while the plane was taxing for engine runs on the apron, not taking off for a flight as widely reported. The airline stated that the plane was headed for routine engine ground runs for maintenance purposes.
Silverstone Air management also noted that Wilson Airport's ramp is congested with both grounded and active planes, which may have contributed to the incident.
The airline has assured that its insurer is in contact with the insurance provider of the affected plane to settle the matter, and the incident has been reported to the relevant authorities.
On October 28, 2019, speculation was rife that the aeroplane went ahead and took off from the airport without being examined even after knocking another plane on its way.
However, Silverstone Air has dispelled these claims, stating that the plane was not taking off for a flight but was undergoing routine maintenance.
On a separate incident, a Silverstone plane lost one of its wheels after take off from Lodwar to Nairobi, compelling the crew to divert it to Eldoret International Airport where passengers were rebooked in a different plane.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the aircraft's landing gear experienced bearing failure.
