Mogadishu, Somalia – A Kenyan-registered cargo plane crashed southwest of Mogadishu on Saturday, March 22, 2025, killing all five people on board.
The aircraft, a DHC-5D Buffalo with registration 5Y-RBA, was operated by Trident Aviation Ltd and was en route from Dhobley to Aden Adde International Airport when it lost contact with air traffic control.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirmed the crash, which occurred at 5:43 PM local time, approximately 24 kilometers from the capital.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, with early reports suggesting the possibility of mechanical failure or difficult flying conditions.
The Horn of Africa has seen a troubling rise in aircraft crashes, particularly involving cargo and humanitarian flights.
Many operators use aging aircraft due to the high cost of maintaining newer fleets, and Somalia’s limited aviation infrastructure further complicates operations.
The latest crash follows a series of incidents in recent years. In January 2024, a Kenyan cargo plane carrying humanitarian aid for the World Food Programme (WFP) crashed, killing two.
In July 2024, a domestic flight by Halla Airlines crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport due to wind shear, leaving two people injured.
Aviation analysts warn that unless significant improvements are made in aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and air traffic control infrastructure, such incidents will continue to occur.
Authorities from both Somalia and Kenya are expected to collaborate in investigating the crash, particularly as unconfirmed reports indicate that four of the five victims were Kenyan nationals.
The Kenyan Ministry of Transport and Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority are likely to work closely to determine what led to the tragedy.
The incident has reignited discussions on the need for stricter air safety regulations, better infrastructure, and enhanced monitoring of aircraft operating in high-risk regions.