An investigation conducted on the cause of the chopper crash that killed former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla has established that the helicopter crashed due to an engine malfunction.
A report released by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, April 11, provided a detailed assessment of every aspect of the accident to establish the exact cause of the crash.
During the probe, the investigators assessed the possibility of whether the crash could have resulted from aspects like weather and the weight of the chopper, which were ruled out in the process of investigations.
The investigators noted that the CDF visited the North Rift Counties of Baringo and West Pokot on board a Huey helicopter KAF 1501, which, according to the probe, was a chopper acquired from the United States.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Huey chopper was assessed and had a relatively high level of reliability, having conducted several operational and training missions, including high-profile flights.
"However, dependent on information from the survivors, after experiencing a 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," the probe revealed.
"Based on facts and evidence gathered, and indicated in the findings above, the Board of Inquiry believes that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to Engine Malfunction."
To avert future recurrence, the Defence Ministry noted that the Kenya Air Force had since updated and reviewed its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
The report of the findings was also submitted to President William Ruto at State House on Friday afternoon by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and the current CDF Charles Kahariri.
Also present during the submission of the report were Vice CDF Lieutenant-General John Omenda and Kenya Airforce Commander Major-General Fatuma Ahmed.
General Ogolla died on April 18, 2024, following a grisly military helicopter accident in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County. His demise was announced by President Ruto during a presser at State House.
While announcing his death, Ruto mourned the deceased and termed him a distinguished four-star general who was committed to his work.
“Today at 2.20 pm our nation suffered a tragic air accident Sindar area, Keben location in Elgeyo Marakwet county. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” Ruto announced.
"The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity," he added.
