Busia – Nairobi

On January 24, 2003 at 04:45 PM, Busia – Nairobi experienced a crash involving Grumman G-159 Gulfstream I, operated by African Commuter Services, with the event recorded near Busia Eastern.

The flight was categorized as government and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

12 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 9 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 25.0%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 9, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The twin engine aircraft was returning from Busia to Nairobi, carrying a delegation of the Kenyan Government who made a local visit in Busia following the national elections. Shortly after takeoff from runway 13/31 which is 3,281 feet long, the aircraft encountered difficulties to gain height. It struck power cables and crashed onto a house. Both pilots and a passenger, the Labour Minister Ahmed Mohamed Khalif were killed while nine other occupants were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. There were no casualties on the ground.

Aircraft reference details include registration 5Y-EMJ, MSN 158, year of manufacture 1965.