The Ministry of Defence has disclosed the findings of an investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, and nine Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel on April 18, 2024, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The tragic incident was attributed to an engine malfunction in the Bell Huey helicopter KAF 1501.
According to the ministry’s statement, the aircraft experienced a surge in the engine, aligning with witness accounts of a loud bang from the engine compartment before the crash. This malfunction led to a complete power loss, a drop in the engine’s Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), and altered engine noise. Investigators reviewed the entire flight mission, which began at Wilson Airport and included stops in Kainuk, Chesogon, and the Defence Forces Recruits Training School in Eldoret. The review confirmed that all pre-flight checks had been thoroughly conducted by the crew and first-line personnel.
“Dependent on information from the survivors, after experiencing complete power loss, the Pilots of KAF 1501 attempted to control the Helicopter to a clear landing zone but lost positive control of the aircraft,” read the statement in part.
“The Helicopter suffered an engine compressor stall (surge), which is consistent with the witness report of a loud bang at the Engine compartment and the Measured Gas Temperature (MGT) gauge, which, when powered, displayed an Over-Exceedance of 914 °C.The Helicopter then experienced a Complete Power Loss, which was followed by a left yaw, drop in Engine RPM, low RPM audio alarm and change in engine noise, as narrated by witnesses on the ground and accident scene reconstruction,” continued the report in part.
The ministry also ruled out adverse weather, crew coordination issues, or pilot inexperience as potential causes. Both pilots were deemed mission-ready as per Flying Order Book Standard Operating Procedures, with the aircraft having undergone a 25-hour service between April 2 and April 5, 2024, to ensure optimal flight safety. The Huey helicopter had a commendable reliability record from previous operational and training missions, including VIP assignments.
In light of this incident, the Kenya Air Force has updated and refined its Standard Operating Procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Ministry of Defence emphasized its commitment to the highest standards of safety and professionalism within the armed forces.
