On December 2, a Jambojet De Havilland Canada DHC-8-402 aircraft suffered avoidable damage while parked at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The aircraft, stationed at the VIP pavilion, rolled into flagposts, sustaining damage to its nose section.
According to sources, the incident occurred due to a failure in adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs). The aircraft had been left overnight without wheel chocks in place or parking brakes engaged. This lapse in basic ground handling practices underscores the importance of stringent adherence to SOPs to prevent such mishaps.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the aircraft was unoccupied at the time. However, the incident highlights critical gaps in ground handling oversight and poses questions about the efficacy of procedural checks in place at the airport.
This preventable occurrence serves as a reminder for airlines and ground staff to prioritize strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard aircraft and airport infrastructure.
