A couple died on Thursday evening after a light aircraft that they were flying in crashed in Kedong Ranch in Naivasha.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the accident involved a Cessna 185 aircraft, registration 5Y-BVL, belonging to Farmland Aviation, which had departed from Wilson Airport at about 1:19 pm, heading to Mbaruk in Nakuru, but crashed at 2:15 pm.
Earlier reports identified the couple as Marcus Dunn and Anne Dunn, the owners of Loldia Farm in Naivasha.
Although investigations are underway, preliminary reports indicate that the bad weather might have contributed to the fatal crash.
Naivasha Divisional Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Isaac Kiama confirmed the incident, noting that rescue and recovery efforts were significantly hampered by the difficult terrain and poor visibility due to fog in the area.
Kiama added that it took over six hours for police officers and emergency responders to reach the crash site, where they recovered the victims’ bodies and personal effects, including a firearm.
The investigative officer said the aircraft and its occupants were found in a valley at the expansive Kedong Ranch, which further complicated access to the wreckage.
In a press statement issued on Friday morning, KCAA confirmed that investigations are underway in coordination with the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID), emergency responders, and security personnel.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” said KCAA Director General Emile Arao in a statement.
The bodies were taken to a private mortuary pending a postmortem and investigations into the incident.
This unfortunate incident comes after a similar one earlier on January 11, 2025, when a light aircraft crash-landed in Malindi in Kilifi County and caught fire, claiming the lives of three people.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the aircraft experienced mechanical failure shortly after departing from Malindi Airport.
According to its website, Farmland Aviation, whose aircraft was involved in the Thursday crash, operates a fleet of purpose-built aircraft offering a range of specialist aviation services tailored to meet one’s needs.
Established in 1984, the aviation company offers a comprehensive range of services from crop spraying to firefighting, pest control, aerial surveys, and more.
By Mabel Keya-Shikuku
