A military investigation by the Kenya Defense Forces has revealed the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and nine other police officers.
Nearly a year later, the probe found that General Ogolla’s helicopter experienced an engine malfunction after he had visited troops under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) in the North Rift counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot.
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According to findings shared on Friday, April 11, technical experts from the Ministry of Defence and aviation investigators concluded that the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter suffered a critical engine failure shortly after take-off from West Pokot, leading to the fatal incident.
“The Helicopter suffered Engine Compressor Stall (Surge) which is consistent with witness report of a loud bang at the Engine compartment and the Measured Gas Temperature (MGT) gauge, which when powered, displayed an Over-Exceedance of 914 °C,” read the report in part.
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“The Helicopter then experienced a Complete Power Loss which was followed by a left yaw, drop in Engine RPM, low RPM audio alarm and change in engine noise, as narrated by witnesses on the ground and accident scene reconstruction.”
Engine Failure Blamed for Chopper Crash That Killed CDF Francis Ogolla
It added, ” Based on facts and evidence gathered, and indicated in the findings above, the Board of Inquiry is of the opinion that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to Engine Malfunction.”
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According to the report, the Huey Helicopter was assessed to have had a relatively high level of reliability, having conducted several operational and training missions, including VIP flights.
It also stated that the flight was operated by qualified competent crew.
However, dependent on information from the survivors, after experiencing Complete Power Loss, the Pilots of KAF 1501 attempted to control the Helicopter to a clear Landing Zone but lost positive control of the aircraft.
CDF Ogolla’s military chopper crashed in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County at around 2:20 p.m. on April 18, 2024.
The crash occurred shortly after the helicopter departed from Cheptulel Boys High School, went down on a community farm known as ‘Shamba la Amani’ and caught fire upon impact.
Also Read: Survivors in CDF Francis Ogolla Chopper Crash Questioned
It was also revealed that the Helicopter suffered Category Five (Cat 5) Damage (Beyond Economic Repair).
The Bell Huey II aircraft, donated by the United States to Kenya in November 2016, was manufactured by Bell Textron Aerospace, a subsidiary of Textron, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, United States.
The other nine officers who perished alongside Gen Ogolla were Brig Swaleh Said, Col Duncan Keitan, Lt Col David Sawe, Maj George Magondu (the pilot), Capt Sorah Mohamed, Capt Hillary Butali, Snr Sgt John Kinyua, Sgt Cliffonce Omondi, and Sgt Rose Nyawira. Two officers survived the crash.
Maintenance History of Huey KAF 1501
Huey KAF 1501 underwent calendar-based inspections every 24 months and after every 300 flight hours between June 2021 and October 2023. During these two major inspections, no significant defects were identified.
In addition to the major checks, the helicopter received regular scheduled maintenance, including:
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A 25-hour inspection on December 14, 2023
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Installation of an overhauled engine on December 12, 2023
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A 50-hour inspection on January 9, 2024
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A 75-hour inspection on January 29, 2024
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A 100-hour inspection on February 11, 2024
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A 25-hour inspection on February 22, 2024
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A 150-hour inspection on March 17, 2024
The most recent scheduled servicing, a 25-hour inspection, was conducted from April 2 to 5, 2024. At the time of the crash, the helicopter had 19 flight hours remaining before its next 100-hour scheduled maintenance.
Also Read: CDF Francis Ogolla Attended Class with Gen Z’s; Lorna Ogolla
Ruto, Leaders Welcome Probe into Ogolla’s Death
While speaking during General Ogolla’s memorial service in Siaya County last year, President Ruto vowed that all security agencies, including investigation teams, would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind the fatal chopper crash that claimed Ogolla’s life.
“I have full confidence in KDF. They are our foremost professional entity in Kenya therefore I have full confidence that General Omenda and the team he has appointed to make sure that all details are laid bare on the accident that took away the life of General Ogolla,” stated Ruto.
At the same time, leaders called for the findings of the investigation to be made public, saying it would help the Nyanza region which has lost several gallant sons over the years find closure.
In an emotional tribute, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who is also the elder brother of ODM leader Raila Odinga, insisted that no stone should be left unturned in the probe into General Ogolla’s death.
Oburu remarked that the region has endured numerous losses through mysterious accidents and political assassinations, stressing that the government must thoroughly investigate these matters.
“We understand that his death was as a result of an accident but because many leaders from our region have been assassinated or died through such accidents, we have every reason to be suspicious,” he said.
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