Aviation authority reveals reason that could have led to Fly Sax plane crash

The wreckage of the ill-fated Fly Sax plane at Njambini area, Aberdares. [Photo: Standard]

Poor communication and professional negligence could have led to the plane crash that killed 10 passengers in the Aberdare, a parliamentary committee has been told.

National Assembly Transport and Public Works Committee, while grilling Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General Gilbert Kibe Tuesday, questioned why the plane, operated by local firm FlySax, was diverted from landing at Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) without the pilot being told to change the altitude.

The plane was en route to Nairobi from Kitale.

Mr Kibe told the committee chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing that FlySax requested the Air Traffic Control tower in Eldoret to change the route, but even with the pilot being cleared to fly at 13,000 feet above sea level, she chose to retain the initial flight height at 11,000 feet.

Professional guidance

“Why they could not fly above that is subject to ongoing investigation,” said Kibe.

The lawmakers, however, took Kibe to task to explain why even if the crew chose to remain at 11,000 feet, KCAA could not provide professional and technical guidance.

“You must explain to the committee and Kenyans what exactly happened. It is not clear at what time the plane was diverted and the guidance that was given to the crew in the new route,” said Pkosing.

Kibe told the MPs the aircraft was diverted to JKIA on the request of the company, as there were three passengers who were running late and were to catch another flight.

Martyn Lunani, director and chief investigator of Air Accidents at the Ministry of Transport, told the committee a preliminary report of the crash would be out on Thursday and would be made public.