NAIROBI, Kenya- A helicopter that crashed at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all seven people on board, struck a rock formation while flying close to a cliff face, a preliminary government report has established.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport said the Airbus EC130 B4 helicopter, registration 5Y-GYM, was conducting a low-level flight near the mountain’s cliff face when its landing-gear skid hit a rock formation close to the summit.
The helicopter then descended down the mountainside and over a cliff before coming to rest at its base.
The aircraft, operated by Lady Lori (Kenya) Limited, crashed at approximately 9.13am on August 19, 2026, in Samburu East Sub-County.
It was carrying seven people—one pilot and six passengers.
“First responders accessed the hilly crash site and located the burning wreckage. Tragically, all seven occupants suffered fatal injuries,” the ministry said.
The helicopter was destroyed by the impact and a fire that broke out after the crash.
Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department were deployed to the scene shortly after the accident to examine the wreckage and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir publicly released the preliminary report on September 18 in accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Chirchir said the investigation remained underway to determine the circumstances, probable causes and factors that contributed to the accident.
The ministry emphasised that the preliminary findings were part of an ongoing investigation and that the inquiry was intended to prevent similar accidents rather than assign blame or legal liability.
“The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident shall be the prevention of accidents and incidents. It is not the purpose of this activity to apportion blame or liability,” the statement read.
Chirchir said the government was committed to a transparent, thorough and independent investigation and would implement measures required to uphold aviation safety standards.
He also conveyed the government’s condolences to the families and loved ones of the seven people who died, pledging continued engagement with the affected parties until the investigation is concluded.
