In brief
A Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed at Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya on 19 August, killing six tourists and the pilot. The incident occurred during a scenic flight between two wildlife conservancies in Samburu County. Rescue teams were first met with smoke, and the site remains largely inaccessible. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is coordinating the investigation alongside the transport ministry. Helicopter crashes have historically claimed lives in Kenya, including the 2024 military crash that killed the army chief.
Six tourists and a pilot were killed after a helicopter crashed at Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya, transport officials said. The accident happened at about 09:13 local time on 19 August and sent shockwaves through the region.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, a model frequently used for scenic tours in the area. It was on a scheduled flight from Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy toward Ewaso Nyiro River when it lost control and collided with the barren slope of Mount Ololokwe.
Rescue teams, led by the Kenya Red Cross, first observed smoke rising from the crash site. The site remains largely inaccessible, prompting the use of drones to evaluate the aftermath.
Authorities have issued a statement that the nationalities of the pilot and passengers are pending investigation. The Transport Ministry and the Air Accident Investigations Department have taken charge of probing the circumstances surrounding the fatal event.
Samburu County, a famed tourist hub with numerous wildlife conservancies, has faced several aviation incidents in the past. Notably, a 2024 army helicopter crash claimed the life of the military chief, and a 2021 accident near Nairobi killed a squad of soldiers.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about aviation safety protocols in Kenya’s high‑risk tourist routes. Local communities and international tourists are calling for enhanced safety measures for future scenic flights.
For more updates, follow the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority’s official channels.
