Jambojet passenger recounts scary experience after heavy storm hit plane at 30,000 feet

Passengers aboard a Jambojet flight from Nairobi to Kisumu have described moments of terror and relief after their aircraft was caught in a sudden, violent storm moments before landing.

Humphrey Oborah, one of those on board Flight 8656 on Friday, April 24, shared a chilling account of what began as a routine domestic trip but quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal.

Plane nearly crashes in Kisumu

The flight had departed Nairobi with passengers settling into what was expected to be a short and uneventful journey to western Kenya.

All seemed normal with the calm skies and usual anticipation of landing, only for things to take a dramatic turn just three minutes before touchdown.

Oborah recalled the moment their aircraft was suddenly engulfed by a severe storm system as heavy rain lashed the plane and winds shook it violently.

“You could feel something was wrong,” Oborah said. “People started looking at each other, first uneasy, then afraid.”

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The descent became unstable almost instantly, creating panic in the cabin as the pilot attempted to stabilise the aircraft and avoid overshooting into Lake Victoria.

Strong wind shear reportedly forced the aircraft into a dangerous drop, bringing it perilously close to the water’s surface.

“In those seconds, it felt like we were going down,” Oborah said. “Screams filled the cabin. Some people prayed, others froze. It was pure fear.”

At one point, passengers believed impact was imminent as the aircraft descended to what they described as “less than a metre” above the lake.

Flight forced to return to Nairobi

Moments later, the pilot managed a sharp recovery, pulling the aircraft back into the raging clouds.

The sudden climb brought a wave of emotional reaction on board, with relief mixed with lingering shock as the plane shook through turbulent air.

Shortly afterwards, the pilot informed passengers over the intercom that, in line with safety procedures, the flight would return to Nairobi due to the extreme weather conditions.

However, the ordeal was not over as the aircraft was reportedly denied immediate landing clearance in Nairobi and had to circle the airport multiple times, prolonging their anxiety.

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Flight finally landed in Kisumu

The aircraft eventually landed safely in Nairobi, refuelled, and departed once again for Kisumu, this time with calmer weather conditions and a smooth landing.

What followed on arrival in Kisumu was an emotional release. Passengers applauded the crew, some in tears, others embracing strangers as relief swept through the cabin.

“There was applause, tears, and people shouting prayers of thanksgiving,” Oborah said. “It was overwhelming.”

He later praised the pilot’s composure and decision-making under extreme pressure, crediting the crew for ensuring the survival of all on board.

Source: NgGossips