Narrow Escape as Passenger Plane Overshoots Runway, Plunges Into Bush in Kenya

A passenger aircraft carrying 36 people overshot the runway while landing at Mandera Airstrip in northeastern Kenya on Thursday, ending up in nearby bushes in an incident that has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety.

The aircraft had departed Nairobi and was attempting to land when it ran past the runway and veered off into surrounding vegetation, according to preliminary reports.

All passengers and crew escaped without injury, with emergency responders and airport officials arriving at the scene shortly after the incident to assist with evacuation.

Although no casualties were recorded, the aircraft reportedly sustained damage.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the cause of the runway overshoot, while aviation officials are expected to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether operational or environmental factors played a role.

The incident has renewed focus on aviation safety in Kenya, particularly at remote airstrips.

It also comes months after a fatal October 2025 crash involving a Cessna Caravan operated by Mombasa Air Safari. The aircraft, bound for Maasai Mara National Reserve, crashed about 20 minutes after taking off from Diani Airstrip in Kwale County.

Reports at the time said the plane caught fire on impact, with adverse weather, including heavy rain and dense fog, cited as a possible factor.