A tragic aircraft accident occurred southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in the loss of five lives on board, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has confirmed. The incident involved a cargo plane, a DHC-5D Buffalo with the registration 5Y-RBA, operated by the Kenyan-based company Trident Aviation Ltd. The aircraft had taken off from Dhobley, a town located near Somalia’s border with Kenya, and was en route to Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu when it crashed approximately 24 kilometers from the Somali capital. The crash took place on Saturday evening at around 5:43 pm local time. Initial reports indicate that four of the five people on board were Kenyan nationals, all part of the flight crew. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released as authorities work to inform next of kin and conduct further investigations.
In the aftermath of the crash, Somali authorities, along with international partners and emergency response teams, quickly mobilized to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations. Unfortunately, no survivors were found, and the remains of the crew members have been recovered from the wreckage. The SCAA issued a statement expressing condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the crash, emphasizing that their thoughts are with the bereaved during this deeply difficult time. The authority also noted that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The DHC-5D Buffalo, a Canadian-built aircraft known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, is often used in rugged and remote areas for both cargo and humanitarian flights. While the specific mission of the flight has not been disclosed, the aircraft’s route between Dhobley and Mogadishu suggests it may have been involved in logistical or aid operations. The tragic event has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, particularly for cargo and relief flights that frequently operate in and out of conflict-affected zones in Somalia. The SCAA has pledged to carry out a thorough investigation in collaboration with relevant Kenyan aviation authorities to determine what led to the crash.
This incident also underscores the risks that aircrews take in performing their duties, especially in regions where infrastructure, security, and weather conditions can be unpredictable. The loss of four Kenyan nationals has been met with sorrow in Kenya, where many pilots and crew members routinely undertake such flights across East Africa. Tributes and messages of support have begun to pour in from the aviation community and government officials, with many highlighting the bravery and service of those who perished.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other external factors played a role in the aircraft’s downfall. Meanwhile, both Somali and Kenyan authorities remain committed to supporting the affected families and ensuring that all safety protocols are reviewed to prevent such tragedies in the future.
