Tourist Aircraft Crashes During Take-Off at Maasai Mara Airstrip

A light aircraft carrying tourists crashed during take-off at Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve on Monday morning. 

No fatalities or serious injuries were reported. Authorities in Narok County have launched an investigation into the incident. Witnesses reported scenes of concern as emergency responders and security personnel moved quickly across the airstrip to assist passengers and crew members.

Photographs from the scene showed the damaged aircraft resting on the runway, while another light aircraft remained parked nearby. Officials later confirmed that a tyre burst caused the aircraft to veer off course before coming to a stop within the airstrip.

The Kenya Wildlife Service said all passengers and crew escaped without injury and praised the swift response of rescue teams. The incident is the latest in a series of aviation occurrences reported in Kenya this year. Last month, a skydiving aircraft operating in Diani made an emergency landing, also without causing serious injuries.

Investigators are now working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. Their findings are expected to determine whether factors such as maintenance practices or operational procedures played any role in the incident.

Officials said all aviation incidents reported this year remain under review. The investigation into the Maasai Mara accident is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details once inquiries are completed.