Pilot killed in Kilifi plane crash

By JOSEPH  MASHA     

Kilifi, Kenya: The pilot of a private light aircraft died on the spot after the craft developed mechanical problems and  crashed at Musumarani Amkeni area in  Kilifi county on Friday evening.

Kilifi County Commissioner  Erastus Ekidor said the aircraft was on a fly test.

Mr Ekidor added that the pilot of the aircraft, who was the only occupant, died on the spot and the aircraft was extensively damaged.

The commissioner said the accident occurred at around 2pm after it left kijipwa private airstrip about 3 kilometers from the airstrip.

The County boss said the pilot flew the aircraft for about ten minutes before it developed mechanical problems.

The commissioner said the aircraft from West Rift Aviation company from Nairobi  had just left a repair  yard after re-assembling and was just on test.

"The aircraft had just been reassembled and it was out for a fly test when it developed mechanical problem and crashed killing the pilot," said Ekidor.

He further said aircraft experts will visit the scene to conduct investigation over the crash.