The plane had rolled into flagpoles at the VIP pavilion. It was reportedly left overnight without chocks or brakes engaged.
Jambojet, a subsidiary of national airline, Kenya Airways, has confirmed an accident involving one of its aircraft, a De Havilland Q400, which suffered damage at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the night of Monday, December 2.
According to preliminary reports, the plane had rolled into flagpoles at the VIP pavilion. It was reportedly left overnight without chocks or brakes engaged.
In a statement, the regional low-cost airline revealed that the incident occurred whilst the aircraft was undergoing routine maintenance.
A Jambojet plane which was involved in a minor accident at JKIA on December 2, 2024. /KENYAN AVIATOR
“Jambojet wishes to confirm an incident involving one of our aircraft during routine overnight maintenance activities. While parked, the aircraft rolled off the ramp and came into contact with a pole, resulting in some damage to its nose,” the statement read in part.
Photos seen by Viral Tea showed that the Q400 suffered damage to its nose as it came into contact with the flagpoles.
The airline however reported that no injuries occurred to its staff during the incident.”Our team is working diligently with the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure all necessary measures are taken to prevent a recurrence.”
“Safety remains our top priority, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in all our operations,” added Jambojet.
Following the accident, the aircraft was removed from operations, until it is cleared. Jambojet warned passengers to expect some flight disruptions due to this incident, and affected guests will be communicated to directly.
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused, and reiterate our commitment to the safety of our staff and customers,” added the airline.
Cases of aircraft crashes have been reported severally across the country before, though it has been rare in Kenya for one involving a passenger aircraft.
On September 16, 2024, 10 passengers and a crew member narrowly escaped death after a plane they were travelling on veered off a runway at the Lichota Airstrip in Migori while taking off. The accident occurred at around 12.30 pm, with the plane, a Cessna Caravan registered as number 5Y-ZBW and owned by Z.Boskovic Air Charters spotted with its nose pointing downwards.
Witnesses recounted that the plane was nearing the end of the runway when it veered off and a cloud of billowing smoke ensued. They also revealed that their efforts to immediately intervene and rescue the passengers were thwarted by the airstrip officials who rushed the scene.
The charter company confirmed the incident, stating “The aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and one crew member at the time of the incident.”
“We are relieved to confirm that there were no fatalities or injuries reported. We have engaged the relevant authorities to support the investigation of the incident and are closely monitoring the incident. Further updates will be provided if more information becomes available,” the statement read in part.
A Cessna Caravan plane veers off the runway at Lichota Airstrip in Migori County. /ODALO FRED OUMA.X