AMREF confirms recovery of plane’s black box after Mwihoko crash
By William Muthama, August 8, 2025The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) has confirmed the recovery of the black box from its light aircraft that crashed on August 7 in Mwihoko, Kiambu County.
Addressing the media on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the crash site, Fred Kabunge, Director of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, said the device was found by police officers who responded quickly after the accident.
Initially, the officers were unaware of the significance of the black box, but later handed it over to the investigation team.
Kabunge confirmed that the recovered black box will aid investigators in understanding the cause of the crash.
“We have managed to recover the recorders, what is popularly known as the black box, which then will aid us in the conduct of the investigation,” he said.
International protocols
“Our team got here yesterday and of course initial operations were conducted, the site was actually documented within the protocols of the convention,” Kabunge said, referring to Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation that guides accident investigations.
The black box, also known as the flight data recorder, is vital for storing information such as speed, altitude, and mechanical data before the crash.
Crash casualties confirmed
Six people have been confirmed dead and at least two others injured after the AMREF Flying Doctors light aircraft crashed on Thursday afternoon in a residential area of Mwihoko.
The aircraft was transporting patients and medical personnel when the crash occurred, raising serious concerns about flight safety standards.
Analysis planned
“That recorder will then later on be shipped to our counterparts, either NTSB of the United States of America or TSB Canada or BEA, which is in France, for further download, examination and analysis,” Kabunge explained.
Emergency teams responded swiftly to manage rescue and recovery efforts. The investigation continues to explore possible causes such as weather, mechanical failure, or pilot conditions.
AMREF extended condolences to affected families and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. More updates will follow as the probe progresses.