The survivors of Tuesday’s plane crash in Ngorongoro yesterday spoke

 

 

By Filbert Rweyemamu 

In Summary

• Mr Pattern told The Citizen he was in the co-pilot’s seat at the time and added that they survived the crash because plane was flying at low altitude.

Arusha. The survivors of Tuesday’s plane crash in Ngorongoro yesterday spoke of their lucky escape after the aircraft tumbled down moments before landing. They recounted harrowing minutes as the wing of the small plane clipped the ground and was tossed around before landing with a big thud.

“I was thrown up and down as the plane hit the ground,” said eight-year-old Nanikoi Komiando. “It skidded for several metres before coming to rest in a jumbled heap. I did not know what was happening and feared we would all die.”

The boy suffered a broken arm while his mother Nalepo, who was escorting him to hospital, had facial bruises. They were among seven people flying in the Cesna 206 plane to Engoviron dispensary in Ngorongoro district.

Also on board were two pilots, a doctor and two nurses--all of who survived the crash landing on a rugged strip described yesterday as “trickiest” by the co-pilot, Mr Pat Pattern.

Speaking through a translator, Ms Komiando said it was her first flight and she was shocked by the experience. “We were going down and the last thing I remember is seeing a small crowd of people on the ground,” she said. “I woke up here in hospital in Arusha.”

She collapsed soon after and had to be evacuated alongside the injured others to hospital, where they were recuperating last night.

Mr Pattern told The Citizen he was in the co-pilot’s seat at the time and added that they survived the crash because plane was flying at low altitude. “The airstrip in the valley is very difficult to navigate and we experienced the landing problem on Tuesday,” said Mr Pattern, who suffered a head injury. “Our speed was low on approach and the pilot made an attempt to abort the landing but it was too late.”

His co-pilot, who was discharged after being given a clean bill of health, told him the wing had struck raised ground as he struggled with the landing. “I do not remember hearing anything other than the fact that we lost control and swirled dangerously.”

According to the pilot, who has some 30 years’ experience, the plane suffered great damage and may not fly again. “It is always difficult landing at Engoviron but we have been used to it,” said Mr Pattern. The terrain is filled with trees and valleys.

They were rescued from the wreckage by people waiting for treatment at the local dispensary. “We then called our back-up plane that flew us to Arusha,” said the pilot, who works with the Flying Doctors Services.

The team was on a mission to carry out immunisation in the area in collaboration with the Catholic Church. They operate between Wasso hospital in Loliondo, Endulen Hospital in Ngorongoro and Emboret Hospital in Simanjiro district and 16 other local dispensaries.

The woman and her child were being ferried from Ngaresero for further treatment at Engoviron. Others discharged yesterday were Dr Benson Mkoya of Endulen Hospital, Nurse Anna Mainga and Pilot Shakir Jaffer. Nurse Christom Mnyaga was still in hospital as we went to press.