A military investigation has concluded that an engine malfunction led to the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and other military officers.
In a report released Friday, the Ministry of Defence revealed that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501, which had a history of reliable performance in training, operational, and VIP missions, suffered a critical engine failure during the flight.
"The aircraft was piloted by a qualified and competent crew," the report noted. "However, based on survivor accounts, the pilots lost all power and attempted an emergency landing but were unable to maintain control of the aircraft."
The investigation found that the helicopter experienced an engine compressor stall, consistent with witness reports of a loud bang from the engine compartment. The Measured Gas Temperature (MGT) gauge showed an alarming over-exceedance of 914°C.
This power failure triggered a left yaw, a sharp drop in engine revolutions per minute (RPM), low RPM audio alarms, and a noticeable change in engine noise, all confirmed by both ground witnesses and accident scene reconstruction.
“The Board of Inquiry is of the opinion that the crash was caused by an engine malfunction,” the report concluded.
General Ogolla died on April 18, 2024, when the helicopter went down in Kaben, Marakwet East. It was carrying 12 personnel, including high-ranking officers. Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter burst into flames upon impact.
