In a jet crash, a pilot who took part in the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) airshow at the Uhuru Gardens recently died.
Mark Sampson, a South African national, died during an airplane exhibition in Harare, Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
The tragedy was confirmed by a statement from Harare, which noted that Sampson was an accomplished aviator.
“It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that today, the Marksmen aerobatic team can confirm that Mark Sampson, outstanding aviator, honoured team member, trusted number-4 and loyal friend, perished in a flying incident in Harare, Zimbabwe,” read part of the statement.
Mark Sampson, a pilot from Aerobatic Team lost his life in a flying incident in Harare Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
On Saturday he was in Nairobi for the KDF airshow. pic.twitter.com/Kld3LAVnyU— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) June 1, 2022
When the disaster happened, Sampson and his team were on their way back from a circuitous tour from Cape Town to Nairobi.
Mark and his crew praised their trip to Kenya, saying they were treated with outstanding hospitality and had the opportunity to demonstrate their aviation talents.
Mark Sampson dies in plane crash
“We were treated to exceptional Kenyan hospitality. The Museum Airshow Festival was held at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi and we were fortunate to display with the highly skilled aviators from the Kenyan Airforce (KAF) as well as a number of other commercial operators including Kenya Airways,” they said then.
A video of the incident shows the plane performing a stunning display before crashing due to what appears to be a mechanical failure.
The event, which took place at the Uhuru Gardens, was the first of its type, with President Kenyatta driving himself alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The two dignitaries freely mixed with the ecstatic throng and greeted the children as they made their way to their seats to see the KDF Air Show.
Wilson Airport’s operations were paused to make place for the event.
