Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Crash in Kenya Kills All 11 Onboard

Cessna 208 Crash in Kenya Kills All 11 Onboard

Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department deployed investigators to the crash site

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

October 29, 2025

Eleven people—a Kenyan pilot and 10 European passengers—are dead after a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed just 10 minutes into what should have been a routine safari flight yesterday morning, prompting Kenyan authorities to launch a full investigation into the tragedy. Investigators from Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) have been deployed to the crash site near Diana Beach, where the aircraft went down shortly after departing Ukunda Airport (HKUK).

At approximately 8:25 a.m. local time, the Mombasa Air Safari turboprop single, registered as 5Y-CCA, departed HKUK en route to Kichwa Tembo (HKTB) in the Maasai Mara game reserve, a straight line distance of more than 280 miles and an estimated flying time of nearly 2.5 hours. AAID authorities reported that at 8:35 a.m., and 25 miles from the departure point, Mombasa Moi International Airport ATC lost radar contact with the turboprop single. The pilot did not communicate any problems before the accident. Preliminary information suggests poor visibility and heavy rain in the area.

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