Nairobi Plane Makes Dramatic U-Turn After Tyre Falls Mid-Air

Mombasa, Kenya - December 16, 2023 - A Kenya Airways flight en route from Nairobi to Dubai was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff on Saturday morning after experiencing a dramatic tyre malfunction.

Passengers on board KQ798 reported hearing a loud bang and feeling a sudden jolt around 10:30 am, just minutes after the plane had climbed into the sky.

"There was a huge bang, like an explosion," said one passenger, who wished to remain anonymous. "The plane shook violently, and everyone started screaming."

Moments later, the captain announced that a tyre had detached from the aircraft and that they would be returning to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a precautionary measure.

"The captain was very calm and reassuring," said another passenger. "He explained the situation and told us that we would be landing safely back in Nairobi."

The plane landed back at JKIA without further incident at approximately 11:46 am. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew.

Kenya Airways released a statement confirming the incident, saying: "KQ798 experienced a technical issue with one of its tyres shortly after takeoff from Nairobi. The flight crew followed established safety procedures and returned to JKIA, where the aircraft landed safely."

The airline further stated that passengers are being accommodated and rebooked on alternative flights to Dubai.

The cause of the tyre failure is currently under investigation. However, Kenya Airways has assured the public that safety remains their top priority.

"We are committed to the safety of our passengers and crew," the airline's statement concluded. "We will provide a full update as soon as more information becomes available."

This incident highlights the importance of aircraft maintenance and safety procedures. While rare, tyre failures can occur, and it is reassuring to see that airlines like Kenya Airways are trained to handle such situations effectively.

The passengers on board KQ798 were undoubtedly shaken by the experience, but thankfully, they are all safe and sound.