SAMBURU, Kenya – The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed an aircraft accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4 at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County, with investigations now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a statement issued in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, KCAA said the aircraft, registration 5Y-GYM, was involved in the accident at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time.
The helicopter was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred.
“KCAA confirms that an aircraft accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, has occurred at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday, 19 August 2026,” the authority said.
The confirmation provides the first official details about the aircraft and its flight path following earlier reports of a helicopter crash near Mt Lolokwe.
Air accident investigation launched
KCAA said it was coordinating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders in response to the accident.
The Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) under the Ministry of Roads and Transport is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage, flight records, weather conditions, maintenance history and other available evidence as they work to determine what caused the accident.
The investigation will also establish the circumstances of the flight and provide a formal account of the incident.
KCAA sends condolences
The aviation authority expressed condolences to the families of those affected by the crash.
“The Authority extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims following this tragic incident,” KCAA said.
The authority did not provide further details in its statement on the number of people who were aboard the aircraft, their nationalities or the extent of casualties.
Earlier reports from the scene indicated that thick smoke and flames had been visible following the crash, while emergency and security teams were working to access the location in the rugged terrain around Lolokwe Mountain.
The latest official confirmation establishes that the aircraft was flying from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro before the accident.
Further information on casualties, the identities of those aboard, and the cause of the crash is expected as rescue operations and investigations continue.
