CDF Francis Ogolla's helicopter crashed due to engine malfunction - Report

The Ministry of Defence has revealed that the tragic incident on April 18, 2024, whereby former Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel died in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County, was caused by an engine malfunction.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry revealed that the Bell Huey helicopter KAF 1501 suffered a surge, which is consistent with witness reports of a loud bang at the engine compartment.

The aircraft then experienced a complete power loss, which was followed by a drop in the engine's Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and a change in engine noise. An engine's RPM indicates the engine's speed and power output.

The ministry assessed the entire mission from the team's departure from Wilson Airport to Kainuk, Chesogon, before heading to the Defence Forces Recruits Training School in Eldoret, and established that the crew had performed the requisite checks before commencing the flight.

Further, the government ruled out weather, crew coordination and pilots' experience as factors that could have caused the crash.

The ministry asserted that both pilots were mission-ready as outlined in the Flying Order Book (FOB) Standard Operating Procedures.

While planning for the mission, the government revealed that the crew had sufficient time to conduct Before Flight Checks by the first Line Personnel.

The aircraft was also serviced for 25 hours from April 2 to April 5 2024, to adhere to the highest standards of flight safety.

"The Huey Helicopter KAF 1501 was assessed to have had a relatively high level of reliability, having conducted several operational and training missions, including VIP flights. Further, the flight was operated by qualified competent crew," the statement read in part. 

The ministry has further taken note that the Kenya Air Force has updated and reviewed its Standard Operating Procedures to avert similar future incidents.