KCAA launches probe into stalled aircraft incident that paralyzed flights at JKIA

KCAA Director General Gilbert Kibe, in a press statement, said the delay was caused by an aircraft that developed a nose wheel steering jam upon landing on one of the busy airport’s taxiways.

“At 5pm this evening, a Fly540 Dash 8-300 aircraft developed a nose wheel steering jam on entry into the runway at JKIA through one of the taxiways,” said Kibe.

He noted that attempts by several engineering teams from different airlines faced challenges to remove the aircraft, taking into account the need to avoid breakage of the nose wheel. 

“It took 4hrs 30min to remove the aircraft and resume normal operations. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the problem,” he added.

KCAA further stated that the incident caused 15 diversions to several airports, including 9 to Mombasa, 3 to Kilimanjaro, 2 to Entebbe and 1 to Dar es Salaam.

Additionally, delays on the ground at JKIA were 4 flights. 

Normal operations at the airport resumed at around 10 pm on Wednesday after the runway had been cleared and opened.