Couple Perishes in Light Aircraft Crash at Kedong Ranch

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Naivasha, Kenya| A tragic light aircraft crash at Kedong Ranch in Naivasha claimed the lives of a couple on Thursday evening.

The victims, identified as Marcus Dunn and Anne Dunn, were prominent landowners and the proprietors of Loldia Farm in Naivasha.

Details of the Crash

According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the ill-fated aircraft was a Cessna 185, registration 5Y-BVL, belonging to Farmland Aviation.

The plane took off from Wilson Airport in Nairobi at approximately 1:19 p.m., destined for Mbaruk in Nakuru County. However, it tragically crashed at 2:15 p.m. in the rugged terrain of Kedong Ranch.

Preliminary reports suggest that adverse weather conditions, including poor visibility caused by heavy fog, may have contributed to the accident.

Naivasha Divisional Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Isaac Kiama confirmed the incident, stating that the challenging terrain and fog significantly hampered rescue and recovery efforts.

It took over six hours for police officers and emergency responders to reach the crash site, where they discovered the wreckage and the victims’ bodies.

“The aircraft was found in a valley deep within the expansive Kedong Ranch, making access extremely difficult,” Kiama said. Among the personal effects recovered at the scene was a firearm.

Investigation Underway

KCAA Director General Emile Arao, in a press statement released on Friday morning, confirmed that a thorough investigation into the crash is being conducted in collaboration with the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID), emergency responders, and security personnel.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” Arao stated.

The bodies of Marcus and Anne Dunn were transferred to a private mortuary pending a postmortem and further investigations.

Video Credits: Youtube/Citizen Digital

Previous Aviation Incidents

This tragic accident comes just weeks after another fatal light aircraft crash on January 11, 2025, in Malindi, Kilifi County.

In that incident, a plane crash-landed shortly after takeoff from Malindi Airport, catching fire and killing three people. Preliminary findings suggested that mechanical failure was the cause.

About Farmland Aviation

Farmland Aviation, the company that owned the crashed aircraft, is a specialized aviation service provider established in 1984.

The company operates a fleet of aircraft for various purposes, including crop spraying, firefighting, pest control, and aerial surveys.

Aviation authorities are expected to provide a detailed report on the Kedong Ranch crash once the investigation is complete.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over aviation safety, particularly for light aircraft operating in Kenya’s varied and often challenging weather conditions.

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