NAIROBI, Kenya – A newly released report from the Ministry of Defence has identified engine malfunction as the primary cause of the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 crash on April 18, 2024, which tragically claimed the life of Gen. Francis O. Ogolla, the then Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), and several others.
The crash occurred shortly after the helicopter departed from Cheptulel Boys High School in Chesogon, Elgeyo Marakwet County, during a routine visit to military troops in the North Rift.
The flight, which was part of the Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) mission, ended in disaster when the helicopter crashed into a community farm, ‘Shamba la Amani’, and caught fire upon impact.
Despite the quick response from local residents and nearby KDF personnel, four survivors were airlifted to Endo Health Centre and later transferred to Eldoret Regional Hospital, but two succumbed to their injuries. Ten bodies were flown to Nairobi for further handling.
The investigation, led by a Board of Inquiry (BOI), found that the helicopter had been well-maintained and passed all required inspections prior to the flight.
Despite these measures, the engine compressor stall (surge) caused an unexpected power loss during flight, leading to a complete loss of engine power, a left yaw, and a significant drop in engine RPM.
Witnesses at the crash site reported a loud bang from the engine compartment and an abnormal noise from the helicopter’s engine, consistent with an engine malfunction.
The BOI report examined several factors that could have contributed to the crash, including the crew’s qualifications, mission planning, weather conditions, and maintenance records.
The investigation concluded that the pilots—Captain Major George Benson Magondu and Co-Pilot Captain Sora Mohamed—were well-trained and had sufficient experience.
Both were in good health, having passed their annual aircrew medicals, and their communication was clear and effective during the mission.
The weather conditions were deemed favorable for flight, and the weight of the helicopter was not a factor.
In its technical analysis, the BOI also reviewed the helicopter’s maintenance history, which showed no major defects.
The most recent inspections and servicing, including a major engine overhaul in December 2023 and multiple checks in early 2024, had all been conducted without identifying any critical issues.
The Kenya Air Force (KAF) has taken the findings seriously, updating and reviewing its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as recommended by the BOI to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The report concluded that engine malfunction was the primary cause of the crash and that the loss of power led the pilots to lose control of the aircraft despite their best efforts to land safely.
This conclusion is consistent with the evidence gathered from survivors, eyewitnesses, and the analysis of the aircraft’s components.
The Ministry of Defence has expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash and reaffirmed its commitment to improving air safety for all personnel involved in military operations.
The tragic accident underscores the importance of continuous review and adaptation of safety procedures to prevent future incidents.
The Kenya Defence Forces remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel, with immediate changes made to prevent similar accidents in the future.
