Kenyan Cargo Plane Crashes Near Mogadishu, Somalia, Killing All Five On Board

A Kenyan-registered cargo plane crashed approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu on Saturday, March 22, 2025, claiming the lives of all five people on board, according to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

The aircraft, a DHC-5D Buffalo with serial number 109 and registration 5Y-RBA, was operated by Trident Aviation Ltd. It had departed from Dhobley (HCDB) in Somalia’s Lower Juba region, where it had delivered supplies to African Union forces, and was en route to Aden Abdulle International Airport (HCMM) in Mogadishu when the incident occurred at around 14:43Z (5:43 PM local time).

Preliminary reports from the SCAA indicate that the crash took place under circumstances that are yet to be determined. Government agencies, alongside partners, have already mobilized to the crash site to conduct search and rescue operations, though the SCAA confirmed that there were no survivors.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected,” the SCAA stated in a press release. “Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

The DHC-5D Buffalo is a short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) utility aircraft often used for cargo transport in rugged terrains, making it a common choice for delivering supplies to remote areas like Dhobley, which supports African Union peacekeeping missions in the region. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation authorities expected to release more details in the coming days.

This tragic incident marks another somber moment for aviation safety in the Horn of Africa, a region that has seen its share of challenges with air transport due to aging aircraft, difficult operating conditions, and limited infrastructure. The SCAA has pledged a thorough investigation to determine the factors leading to the crash.