Silverstone Air explains circumstances under which its aeroplane hit smaller plane at Wilson Airport ▷ Kenya News

- Silverstone Air said the plane in question was headed for routine maintenance and did not take off as widely claimed

- The airline notes that Wilson Aiport ramp is heavily congested with both active and grounded aircraft

- Management has said its insurer is in contact with the insurance provider of the affected plane to settle the matter which has also been forwarded to relevant authorities

Silverstone Air has dispelled claims that a plane belonging to its fleet that clipped a smaller plane at Wilson Airport took off shortly after the incident.

The management said the plane was not headed for a take off but for routine engine, ground runs for purposes of maintenance.

A screengrab of the Sunday, October 27, incident at Wilson Airport. Photo: UGC.
Source: UGC

On Monday, October 28, 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.

The Sunday, October 27, incident was captured by surveillance cameras and the clip was widely shared on social media after it leaked.

"This was a ramp incident that occurred where our aircraft Fokker 50 registration 5Y-SMT clipped her Beechcraft King Air 200 registered as 5-SSB registered to East African Safari Express Limited.

Our aircraft was taxing for engine runs coming of Apron 4 taxing towards taxiway Alpha. The aircraft was not taking off for a flight as widely reported but was going for routine engine ground runs for purposes of maintenance," SIlverstone said in a statement.

Wilson Airport, Silverstone management also said was congested with both grounded and active planes.

"Wilson Airport ramp is congested with active and disabled aircraft. This incident was reported to the relevant authorities and our insurers are in contact with insurers of the affected airline," Silverstone noted.

The incident, which was followed by another one where a Silverstone plane lost one of its wheels after take off, led to widespread condemnation of the airline's management and crew.

As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, the plane dropped one of its wheels as it took off from Lodwar to Nairobi and this compelled crew to divert it to Eldoret International Airport where passengers were rebooked in a different plane.

Preliminary investigations reveal the aircraft's landing gear experienced bearing failure.

"Our maintenance department immediately dispatched a team to Eldoret International Airport to inspect the aircraft, establish the root cause and assess the extent of damage. Based on preliminary inspection the likely root cause was established to be bearing failure," the airline said.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

The untold story of Jane Mugo, Kenya's first female private detective | Tuko TV.

Subscribe to watch new videos