President William Ruto received the report on Friday regarding the helicopter crash that occurred in April last year, which claimed the life of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Francis Ogolla.
The findings confirm that the helicopter crashed due to an engine failure.
“Based on the facts and evidence gathered, as indicated in the findings, the Board of Inquiry (BOI) is of the opinion that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to engine malfunction,” the report stated.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya presented the report at State House in Nairobi on Friday, with CDF General Charles Kahariri, Vice CDF Lt-General John Omenda, and Kenya Airforce Commander Major-General Fatuma Ahmed in attendance.
According to the BOI report, based on accounts from survivors, after experiencing complete power loss, the pilots of KAF 1501 attempted to control the helicopter towards a clear landing zone but lost positive control of the aircraft.
The report indicates that the helicopter suffered an engine compressor stall (surge), which aligns with witness reports of a loud bang from the engine compartment and the MGT gauge displaying an over-exceedance of 914 °C when powered.
“The engine was found to have experienced high temperatures as proven by the measured gas temperatures (MGT) gauge, which when powered displayed an over-exceedance of 914 °C,” the report stated.
Investigators noted that the helicopter then experienced a complete power loss, followed by a left yaw, a drop in engine RPM, a low RPM audio alarm, and a change in engine noise, as described by witnesses at the scene and during accident reconstruction.
The report further concluded that the Huey Helicopter KAF 1501 had a relatively high level of reliability, having conducted several operational and training missions, including VIP flights.
It also concluded that the flight was operated by a qualified and competent crew, indicating that crew performance was a less likely contributing factor.
“Both pilots were mission ready in accordance with Flying Order Book (FOB), Squadron Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Categorization, Instrument Rating and Annual Aircrew Medicals. The BOI concluded that the crew had sufficient flying hours to be considered above average Captain and Co-pilot respectively,” the report read.
Additionally, it stated that the captain was a very experienced and competent pilot, while the co-pilot, also experienced, was a slightly reserved individual who communicated well when necessary.
“This was a good crew combination. Crew coordination was less likely to be a contributing factor,” noted the investigators.
“Consequently, the Kenya Air Force has updated and reviewed its Standard Operating Procedures to avert future occurrences,” the report stated.
On 18 April 2024, the then Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), the late Gen. Francis O. Ogolla, visited troops under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) in the North Rift Counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot before the crash.
By Eric Biegon
