2 Killed After Kenya Air Force Plane Crashes
Authorities estimate the crash occurred at approximately 12:06 p.m., just 27 minutes into the flight.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
A Kenya Air Force aircraft has crashed in the Ndavaya area of Kinango, Kwale County, killing at least two military personnel onboard.
According to reports reaching Viral Tea, the fixed-wing aircraft, identified by registration number KAF 718, took off from Mombasa at 11:39 a.m. and was last tracked near Diani before disappearing from radar.
Authorities estimate the crash occurred at approximately 12:06 p.m., just 27 minutes into the flight.
Emergency response teams, along with military investigators, have been dispatched to the crash site to determine the cause of the accident, which has not been immediately determined.
Kenya Air Force Plane crashes in Ndavaya, Kinango area in Kwale county.
At least two military officers lost their lives in the aviation incident involving the Kenya military's fixed wing plane. pic.twitter.com/d53JdmLV8w — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) June 14, 2025
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is yet to release the identities of the deceased officers as the investigation is set to commence, even though they have issued a statement confirming the crash.
"Earlier today, 14th June 2025, a Kenya Air Force Grob 120A aircraft experienced an emergency while on a training flight in the general area of Mwakijembe Primary School, Ndavaya, Kwale County. On Board were two pilots. Recovery is ongoing," stated KDF.
Photos obtained by Viral Tea revealed the plane’s wreckage in a shattered state, with the aircraft's roof completely torn off.
The cockpit was almost entirely destroyed, leaving only the seats intact, while the nose of the plane was reduced to scattered debris. In contrast, the tail section appeared to have sustained relatively minor damage—an indication that the aircraft may have nose-dived into the ground.
Following the crash, crowds of curious locals began gathering at the scene as emergency response teams arrived to carry out search and recovery efforts.
Grob 120A
The Grob 120A is a two-seat, single-engine training aircraft manufactured by Grob Aircraft, a German aerospace company known for its lightweight composite aircraft.
Originally designed for civilian flight training, the Grob 120A has also been adopted by several military air forces around the world for primary pilot instruction due to its reliability, efficiency, and modern avionics.
Built primarily from carbon fibre composites, the aircraft is lightweight but durable, offering strong performance with low operating costs. It is powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540-D4D5 engine, which allows for aerobatic capability—an important feature for basic military flight training. The aircraft is fully certified for aerobatics and is often used for initial flight screening before cadets advance to more complex aircraft.
The cockpit of the Grob 120A is outfitted with side-by-side seating, dual controls, and digital instrumentation, providing a realistic and effective training environment. Many variants feature glass cockpit upgrades and are compatible with modern navigation and communication systems.
Several air forces, including those of Canada, Germany, and Kenya, have used the Grob 120A in their pilot training programs. In Kenya, for instance, it is operated by the Kenya Air Force primarily for training missions.
While it is generally considered safe and reliable, like any aircraft, it is not immune to mechanical issues or accidents, especially under harsh flying conditions.
The Kenya Air Force has been hit with a series of plane crashes in recent history. A headline accident on April 18, 2024, claimed the life of former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla, one which investigations pointed out to an engine malfunction.
