Mwihoko Residents Issued Demand Over Missing Black Box In Plane Crash
According to officials, large crowds flocked to the crash scene shortly after the incident, with many attempting to get a closer view of the wreckage.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Authorities are urging residents of Mwihoko, Githurai 45, to return a vital box that was taken from the site of the recent plane crash in the area.
According to officials, large crowds flocked to the crash scene shortly after the incident, with many attempting to get a closer view of the wreckage.
According to local media reports, amid the commotion, a critical black box was reportedly taken from the aircraft. Investigators believe the missing box holds essential flight data and have made its recovery a top priority in the ongoing probe.
“The box is important for understanding what exactly happened that led to the crash. We are appealing to whoever has it to return it immediately," an official at the scene said.
Photo of a Cessna Citation used by AMREF Flying Doctors. /JETPHOTOS
Speaking to residents on the night of the crash, Assistant County Commissioner Madam Charity emphasized the urgency of recovering all aircraft components, noting that only one part of the black box had been found so far.
She further appealed to anyone who may have sold the missing items to scrap metal dealers to assist in tracking them down, adding that authorities are open to offering a reward for their recovery.
“There is one key item of the plane that went missing. We recovered only one part. If there is someone holding the other part in his house, I plead with you, come and tell me so that we go for it. Because we cannot sleep without getting it,” she said.
Her appeal was met with a mix of seriousness and humor, as a group of youths quipped that they would only return the missing component if given one million shillings.
A black box, formally known as a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), is a crucial piece of safety equipment installed in most aircraft.
Despite the name, black boxes are typically painted bright orange to make them easier to locate after a crash. These devices are designed to survive extreme conditions, including high-impact crashes, intense fires, and deep-sea pressure, all in order to preserve critical flight information.
The FDR records technical flight data such as altitude, airspeed, heading, vertical acceleration, engine performance, and control inputs over time. The CVR, on the other hand, captures audio from the cockpit — including conversations between pilots, radio communications, and ambient sounds like alarms or engine noise. Together, they provide investigators with the necessary evidence to piece together what happened in the lead-up to an accident.
These recordings are essential during aircraft accident investigations because they help determine the root causes, improve aviation safety, and prevent similar crashes in the future. They are not only tools for accountability but also key contributors to advancing aircraft design and pilot training.
The Cessna Citation XLS, a popular midsize business jet developed by Cessna (now under Textron Aviation), can be equipped with a black box, but it's not always mandatory depending on how the aircraft is being operated.
In general, commercial aircraft are required by aviation authorities (like the FAA or EASA) to have both a CVR and FDR installed. However, many private jets or business aircraft — including the Citation XLS — may not be legally obligated to carry black boxes if they’re not used for commercial passenger service. That said, aircraft operated by medical evacuation services, like AMREF Flying Doctors, are often outfitted with black boxes voluntarily, even if not strictly required, due to the safety-critical nature of their missions.
It’s also worth noting that many newer models or retrofitted aircraft are being fitted with lightweight, modern versions of black boxes, especially when they’re used in high-risk or high-value operations.
The plane crash in the residential neighborhood raised alarm among residents, although authorities have yet to release an official explanation for the incident. Early reports suggested that there were four people on board — two crew members and two medical staff.
Videos from the crash site captured the aircraft in flames as bystanders watched from afar. Emergency services, including police and military units, responded promptly, cordoning off the scene and keeping the public at bay.
Given the crash’s proximity to a military base, nearby security forces reacted swiftly to the situation.
What is a Black Box?
Does a Cessna Citation XLS Have a Black Box?
Rescue efforts ongoing in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, after an aircraft crash-landed. /VIRAL TEA KE
