Report reveals Gen Francis Ogolla’s KAF 1501’s final flight lasted only two minutes
The Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter KAF 1501 left Nairobi’s Wilson Airport on April 18, 2024, for a field tour to assess military operations in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot counties.
The helicopter crash that ended the life of former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla happened only two minutes after take-off, following a series of stops across the North Rift, a Defence Ministry report has confirmed.
The Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter KAF 1501 left Nairobi’s Wilson Airport on April 18, 2024, for a field tour to assess military operations in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot counties.
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The crew first stopped in Chesit to refuel before proceeding to other planned destinations. While on the trip, the aircraft made another stop at Kainuk for a second round of refuelling.
“They then briefed for the next flight to Kainuk and Chesogon,” the report states.
After completing the briefing, the team headed to Cheptulel Boys High School in Chesogon, where they landed at 1:36 pm. The CDF and his team spent time visiting soldiers stationed at the school before boarding the helicopter again.
At around 2 pm, the aircraft took off for Eldoret, where they were expected at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School. The helicopter, however, went down just 1.3 nautical miles away from the school.
The crash occurred at a place known as Shamba la Amani.
The helicopter burst into flames upon hitting the ground.
Personnel from the nearby Samu Forward Operating Base and residents from the area arrived at the scene quickly. Their efforts helped rescue some of the passengers and control the fire.
Four survivors were flown out to Endo Health Centre by Hughes MD 500 helicopters, but two of them later died. The other two were moved to Eldoret Regional Hospital for further treatment. Ten bodies were later transported to Nairobi.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the cause of the crash was engine failure.
“The helicopter suffered category five (Cat 5) damage (beyond economic repair),” the report states.
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