Somalia Addresses Kenyan Plane Crash That Killed 5
Unconfirmed reports from Somalia indicated that four of the victims in the crash were Kenyan nationals.
Marvin Chege 
Five people were killed when a Kenyan-registered cargo plane crashed about 24 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu.
Earlier reports indicated that the aircraft, a DHC 5D Buffalo operated by Trident Aviation, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before the crash.
Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred at approximately 5:43 PM on Saturday, March 22. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
In a statement, SCAA disclosed that the ill-fated flight had departed from Dhobley, a town in the Lower Jubba region, and was en route to Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport.
Wreckage of a plane that crashed in Somalia on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 5pm. /X
"The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirms that an aircraft crash occurred approximately 24km southwest of Mogadishu today. The aircraft involved was a DHC-5D Buffalo, with serial number 109 and registration 5Y-RBA," the statement read in part.
"Preliminary reports indicate that the crash occurred at approximately 14:43Z (5:43 PM local time). There were five persons on board (POB), all of whom have tragically lost their lives. The flight had departed from Dhobley (HCDB) and was en route to Aden Abdulle International Airport (HCMM)."
"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available," added the statement.
The DHC-5D Buffalo is a twin-engine, short takeoff and landing (STOL) military transport aircraft designed and manufactured by de Havilland Canada. It was developed as an upgraded version of the earlier DHC-4 Caribou and was primarily used for cargo transport, troop deployment, and humanitarian missions.
Key Features of the DHC-5D Buffalo
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Engines: Two General Electric CT64-820-4 turboprop engines
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Capacity: Can carry up to 41 passengers or approximately 8,165 kg (18,000 lbs) of cargo
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STOL Capability: Designed to operate from short, unpaved airstrips, making it ideal for remote locations
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Military & Civilian Use: Used by air forces, humanitarian organizations, and private operators
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Variants: The "D" model (DHC-5D) is one of the later versions with improved performance
Though primarily a military aircraft, some DHC-5D Buffalos have been used in civilian roles, especially in Africa and remote regions where their rugged design is advantageous. Dhobley thus aligns with this description, as the area plays a role in supporting the African Union's peacekeeping mission.
Notably, the Horn of Africa has gained a reputation for frequent aircraft accidents, with experts attributing the issue to ageing fleets, inadequate infrastructure, and challenging operating conditions. In January 2024, another Kenyan cargo plane crashed in Somalia, resulting in the deaths of two people on board.
The aircraft was delivering humanitarian aid to the World Food Programme (WFP) regional offices when it veered off the runway. According to a statement from the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, the cargo plane went down just moments before landing at the airport.
A few months later, in July 2024, a domestic flight operated by Halla Airlines from Garowe to Mogadishu crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport, injuring two individuals. The Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia reportedly suffered a runway excursion due to wind shear, which led to the collapse of its landing gear.
