Mark Sampson was part of the Marksmen aerobatics team that showcased their exemplary flight skills during the KDF museum at Uhuru Gardens on Saturday, May 29.
The event was organized in conjunction with Aero club and was graced by president Uhuru Kenyatta and other government officials
The pilot however met his untimely death on May 31 during a similar show at Harare in Zimbabwe.
Sampson crushed his aircraft in an accident that occurred at Charles Prince Airport thus dying on the spot. His plane lost control thus taking an irreversible dive.
The unfortunate occurrence was recorded on camera with the video widely shared on social media.
As we celebrate #madarakaday2022 let us remember the late Mark Sampson, also known as ‘Sammy’ One of the Pilots who made our #museumairshow an unforgettable. He Crashed his plane on 31st May 2022. He was an exceptional aviator, brilliant in everything he achieved. pic.twitter.com/Mbodersagb
— KDF MAJESHI (@KDF_MAJESHI) June 1, 2022
His death was announced by the Marksmen aerobatic team who said they were devastated by his sudden death.
“It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that today, the Marksmen aerobatic team can confirm that Mark Sampson, outstanding aviator, honored team member, trusted number-4 and loyal friend, perished in a flying incident in Harare, Zimbabwe,” part of their statement read
The team said that they were on the return leg of a roundabout trip from Cape Town to Nairobi when the accident occurred.
Sampson, who hails from South Africa, was an aviation enthusiast, judging from the photos on his social media accounts.
It is not clear when he started flying but his photos indicate that he has been a pilot for at least 20 years.
He loved hiking and fun, when he was not flying.
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