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A light-aircraft operated by Mombasa Air Safari crashed on the morning of Tuesday 28 October 2025 in the coastal region of Kwale County, Kenya.
The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan registered 5Y-CCA, was on a scheduled domestic charter flight from Diani Beach (Ukunda Airstrip) to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), there were initially 12 people on board, though later reports revised the figure to 11.
Wreckage of a plane that crashed in Kwale with 11 people on board
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The airline confirmed that the occupants included 10 passengers (eight Hungarian nationals, two German nationals) and one Kenyan crew member (the pilot).
The crash site was identified in a hilly, wooded section of Kwale County. Heavy rain, mist and poor visibility were reported at the time. Witnesses said they heard a loud explosion, and the wreckage was found burnt out.
Important detail summary
· Aircraft: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration 5Y-CCA.
· Operator: Mombasa Air Safari.
· Flight route: Diani (coast) → Kichwa Tembo (Maasai Mara) domestic tourist charter.
· Occupants & casualties: 10 foreign guests (8 Hungarians, 2 Germans) + 1 Kenyan pilot; all presumed dead.
· Time & location: Crash occurred early morning; KCAA statement notes 08:30 EAT
· Weather / environment: Reports of heavy rain, thick mist, and challenging terrain.
Response & investigation: The Kenyan government swiftly mobilised emergency services and investigators.
Wreckage of a plane that crashed in Kwale with 11 people on board
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has been deployed to the scene to conduct an on-site investigation in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 guidelines.
Transport CS Davis Chirchir issued a formal statement offering condolences and emphasising that aviation safety remains a high priority.
This accident highlights risks associated with light aircraft operations in tourism corridors in Kenya. The Diani-to-Maasai Mara charter route is popular among foreign tourists.