The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, April 11, 2025, released a summary of its official report into the helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, that tragically killed the then Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis O. Ogolla, and nine other military personnel.

The report, dated April 11, 2025, details the history of the ill-fated flight and the findings of the Board of Inquiry (BOI), and ultimately concludes that an engine malfunction was the cause of the crash.

According to the report, the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 was carrying General Ogolla and 11 other individuals as part of a visit to troops under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift counties.

The flight originated from Nairobi Wilson Airport, refueled at Chesit, and proceeded to Kainuk and then Cheptulel Boys High School in Chesogon.

According to the MoD report, the helicopter took off from Cheptulel Boys High School at 2:22 p.m en route to the Defence Forces Recruits Training School in Eldoret.

Shortly after departure, at approximately 2:20 p.m, the Huey KAF 1501 crashed on a community farm near Cheptulel, catching fire upon impact.

Local residents and KDF personnel from a nearby Forward Operating Base evacuated the passengers.

Four survivors were initially airlifted to a local health center, but two later succumbed to their injuries.

The 10 fatalities, including General Ogolla, were flown to Nairobi.

The helicopter was deemed beyond economic repair.

The report provided background on the Kenya Air Force’s fleet of eight Huey helicopters, acquired in 2016, noting their extensive use in various operational and peacetime missions.

The specific aircraft involved, KAF 1501, had undergone regular maintenance, including major inspections in 2021-2023 where no major defects were found, and several smaller scheduled servicings, the last one just days before the crash.

An overhauled engine was installed in December 2023.

The BOI, constituted on the day of the crash, interviewed 12 witnesses, including eyewitnesses and survivors, and considered several aspects in its investigation.

These included:

1. Aircrew aspect

The BOI found both pilots to be experienced and mission-ready, concluding that aircrew error was a less likely contributing factor.

“This included assessment of history of Flying Training, as well as Flying Experience, for both the Captain and the Co-Pilot at the time of the crash. The Captain
started his Ab-Initio Pilot Training at Kenya Air Force Flying Training School (KAF FTS) before proceeding to Starlite International Aviation Academy in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) from 2 April 2016 to 2 April 2017. He had a total of 1,731.40 hrs. The CoPilot on the other hand joined Starlite International Aviation Academy for Ab-Initio Pilot Training on 18 February 2019 and successfully completed on 17 January 2020.

“At the time of the crash, he had accumulated a total of 955.45 hrs. 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. Aircrew aspect was therefore a less likely contributing factor,” the report states.

2. Technical aspect

Laboratory tests on fuel and fluids from the wreckage were normal. An examination of key mechanical components by Bell Helicopter Textron in the USA revealed no evidence of seizure or fractured gear teeth.

However, the engine showed signs of high temperatures, with the measured gas temperature gauge displaying an over-exceedance. The technician was deemed adequately trained.

3. Mission planning and execution

The BOI found sufficient time for planning, the aircraft was certified airworthy, and the weight was within limits, making these less likely contributing factors.

4. Weather

The weather conditions at the crash site were reported as favorable for air operations, ruling this out as a likely cause.

5. Character, crew cooperation and coordination

The crew combination was considered good, and coordination was deemed unlikely to be a contributing factor.

6. Communication

The crew maintained constant two-way communication with relevant stations, making this an unlikely cause.

7. Engine

The BOI concluded that the helicopter experienced an Engine Compressor Stall (Surge), consistent with witness reports of a loud bang and the high engine temperature reading.

This led to a complete power loss, followed by a left yaw, drop in engine RPM, and other indications consistent with engine failure.

Cause of the accident

Based on the gathered evidence, the Board of Inquiry concluded that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to engine malfunction.

The MoD stated that in response to the BOI’s recommendations, the Kenya Air Force has updated and reviewed its Standard Operating Procedures to prevent future occurrences.

The release of this report provides the official explanation for the tragic crash that claimed the life of KDF chief Francis Ogolla and several other dedicated personnel.