Two killed as Kenya Airforce plane crashes in Masinga, Machakos

– The light aircraft crashed at Masinga killing two soldiers on the spot

– The cause of the accident was not immediately clear and police have since cordoned off the area

– The plane was among six that were acquired by the government from US for use by Kenya army

At least two soldiers have been confirmed dead after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) plane crashed at Masinga in Machakos county.

The US-made light attack helicopter gunship MD 530F crashed at around 10am on Monday, July 13, but the cause of the crash was not immediately established.

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Remains of the Kenya Defence Forces chopper that crashed at Masinga, Machakos county. Photo: Robin Njogu
Source: Twitter

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The chopper was among six that were acquired by the Kenyan government in January 2020 from the US.

They were part of an initial order of 12 light attack and reconnaissance helicopters meant to enhance the firepower of the KDF in the wake of sustained attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.

The planes were handed over to former military boss General Samson Mwathethe at an event that was attended by US Ambassador Kyle McCarter at the Joint Helicopter Command in Embakasi, Nairobi.

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The latest accident came barely a month after a police chopper crash-landed at a banana plantation in Meru.

The chopper was carrying security personnel from Eastern region headed to Sololo in Marsabit county for a meeting leaving six people nursing injuries.

Apart from two pilots, others who were aboard the helicopter were eastern regional commissioner, the regional police commander, the regional criminal investigations officer and the regional national intelligence officer.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the National Police Service commenced investigations into the accident.

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