This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On Monday, a Kenyan registered aircraft, 5Y-AXO, belonging to African Express crashed in Bardere, Somalia, killing six passengers on board.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the aircraft had been operating in Somalia since March 2, 2020, and had departed Mogadishu with medical supplies headed for Baidoa, where it landed at 13:10 hours.
However, the aircraft crashed as it approached the airport under unclear circumstances, said KCAA Director General Capt. Gilbert M. Kibe.
The aircraft, manufactured by Embraer with serial number 259, from production line on July 27, 1983, was powered by twin engines.
‘The aircraft then departed Baidoa for Berdale landing at 16:00 hours and later departing for Bardere. The firm’s operations officer confirms having lost contact with the aircraft at approximately 16:20 hours,’ said Capt. Kibe.
The KCAA is in communication with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority about the incident, while the Somalia Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced a thorough investigation and will publish findings in a timely manner.
Our deepest condolences to the families and friends who may have lost loved ones in this terrible accident.
Published on May 5, 2020.
