- Probe confirms the chopper crashed due to engine malfunction
- Incident happened after visiting OMU troops in North Rift
- Investigators cite loud bang and engine power loss
- Pilots tried emergency landing but couldn’t regain control
- Bell Huey helicopter burst into flames after hitting ground
After months of investigations, the Ministry of Defence has revealed that the helicopter carrying the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla crashed due to a serious engine problem. The report was released on Friday, April 11, nearly a year since the fatal accident.
Gen Ogolla had just completed an inspection of troops under Operation Maliza Uhalifu across Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot counties.
Experts Confirm Engine Failure
According to aviation experts and military technicians, the Kenya Air Force Bell Huey II helicopter developed a major engine issue shortly after take-off in West Pokot.
“The chopper experienced an engine compressor surge, which matches witness accounts of a loud bang from the engine area,” part of the report noted.
Instruments later showed the engine temperature spiked past safe levels, hitting 914°C, leading to full engine failure midair.
Crew Tried Emergency Landing
Witnesses said the helicopter’s engine completely lost power, causing sudden yaw movement, engine RPM drop, warning sounds, and a change in engine noise. The report says the crew attempted to guide the aircraft to a safe landing spot, but they lost full control before crashing.
The aircraft hit the ground in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on April 18, 2024, around 2:20 p.m., just minutes after leaving Cheptulel Boys High School. It landed on a local farm called Shamba la Amani and caught fire on impact.
Crew Was Skilled, Helicopter Had Good Record
Investigators ruled out human error, confirming the flight was handled by trained and competent crew. The Bell Huey had a history of reliable operations in VIP and training missions.
Despite all efforts, the helicopter suffered what is known as Category Five Damage—meaning it was beyond any repair.
American-Made Aircraft, Nine Lives Lost
The helicopter was a donation from the United States in 2016, made by Bell Textron Aerospace. The aircraft, officially known as Bell UH-1H-II, had served the Kenya Air Force in multiple missions before the crash.
Gen Ogolla wasn’t the only one on board. Nine other officers also lost their lives:
Brigadier Swaleh said the officers involved were Colonel Duncan Keitan, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Magondu (pilot), Captain Sorah Mohamed, Captain Hillary Butali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua, Sergeant Cliffonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira
Two officers survived and later assisted investigators in piecing together the tragic events.
