Pilot Who Took Part in Spectacular KDF Airshow Dies in Plane Crash

A pilot who took part in the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) airshow held at the Uhuru Gardens on Saturday, 28th May has died in a plane crash.

Mark Sampson a South African national died on Tuesday, 31st May in Harare, Zimbabwe during an airplane show.

“It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that today, the Marksmen aerobatic team can confirm that Mark Sampson, outstanding aviator, honoured team member, trusted number-4 and loyal friend, perished in a flying incident in Harare, Zimbabwe,” read part of the statement from Harare.

Sampson and his team were from a return leg of a roundabout trip from Cape Town to Nairobi when the accident occurred.

A video of the accident shows the plane making a beautiful display before what seems like a failure sends it rolling down leading to a crash.

The Marksmen Aerobatic Team had managed to put on a spectacular show at the KDF Airshow in Uhuru Gardens, which they did in conjunction with the Aero Club of East Africa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed were among the dignitaries who attended the KDF Museum Air Show.