Meet a Kenyan Class Two Dropout Who Made a Plane in 3 Years and Flew It

One of the pioneers in the fields of aviation and aeronautical engineering is Maurice Tito Gachamba.

Due to financial difficulties, Gachamba dropped out of school. He built his own plane from scratch and transported it to an airport before flying it.

He was believed to have merely studied the knowledge and methods used to put together a friend's plane. Unlike the majority of pilots, Gachamba never enrolled in any aeronautical engineering classes.

The fixed-wing aircraft was constructed by the Class Two dropout using scrap metal and an 850cc scooter motor. He reportedly spent three years using scrap metal and canvas to build the plane's body.

In 1969, he flew the plane from Nyaribo Airstrip across the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo.

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In a previous media interview, Maurice showed his determination to fly the plane he had made from scratch.

"I was adamant I would fly... Using a motorcycle, I pulled the aircraft to the Nyaribo airfield, where I cruised until the engine was ready to take off." He noted.

During the test flight, the plane's engine overheated, preventing him from traveling to Karatina Town as planned. Gachamba felt tense, but was cheered on by the police at Kiganjo, which made him feel better.

"After about nine miles of flight, I was able to do a U-turn and return to the Nyaribo (airstrip). I was terrified and trembling throughout the experience. I even made a commitment not to do it again since I believed I would pass away "said Gachamba.

But, his brief moment of fame was tragically cut short when the plane's wing collided with some nearby trees, lost control, and crashed.

His plans to keep building planes were dashed by the disaster since he suffered serious injuries.

Gachamba switched from designing and operating aircraft to producing autos. The construction of a five-passenger car that resembled a Volkswagen Beetle was one of his projects at the time.