Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has released a preliminary report into the tragic August 19 helicopter crash on Mount Ololokwe, Samburu County, which claimed seven lives.
Issued on Friday, September 18, the report reveals that the Airbus EC130 B4 (registration 5Y-GYM), operated by Lady Lori (Kenya) Limited, struck a protruding rock formation near the summit while flying at a low altitude during a scenic tour.
AAID confirmed that investigations remain ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The impact sheared off the landing-gear assembly, after which the fuselage slid down the mountainside and over a cliff, coming to rest roughly 1,196 feet from the point of impact.
Weather conditions at the time were recorded by the Kenya Meteorological Department as east-southeasterly winds at 120 degrees with surface speeds above 3.9 knots, visibility of 10 kilometres or greater, and a low-level cloud layer at approximately 2,400 feet above ground level.
The report noted that atmospheric data showed positive relative vorticity exceeding a threshold associated with a well-defined low-pressure system or active frontal boundary, though no METAR station data was available for the mountain itself.
Investigators identified two distinct wreckage sites on Mount Ololokwe. The initial impact site, measuring roughly 25 by 50 meters, was located on a steep slope, while the main body of the helicopter came to rest at the base of the cliff in a second site measuring about 25 by 15 meters.
Key components including a landing gear skid, a door gas strut, and the left cargo door were scattered across different distances, with heavy paint marks on adjacent rocks indicating the fuselage hit the cliff face and slid down the slope.
"The remaining wreckage fell down the cliff and was destroyed by impact forces and the ensuing fire," the report states, adding that the main rotor blades remained attached to the mast despite being broken, while the tail rotor and boom were the only sections recovered largely intact.
All seven occupants, the pilot and six passengers, were confirmed dead, with their remains flown to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi for post-mortem examination, DNA testing and toxicology screening in collaboration with the National Police Service.
The report noted that the injuries sustained "were consistent with the helicopter's deceleration forces and impact attitude," and concluded the crash was not survivable, as seatbelts and harnesses on board had been destroyed by the post-crash fire.
Rescue efforts were hampered by the terrain.Reaching the crash site proved nearly impossible—with no road or air access, first responders were forced to reach to the wreckage on foot. To make matters worse, the helicopter's Emergency Locator Transmitter failed to trigger upon impact, despite passing tests in May 2026 and having a battery valid through February 2027.
Crucial flight data was also lost: while standard regulations didn't require black boxes for this model, the onboard engine and flight control units were completely destroyed by intense post-crash flames, leaving their internal memory unsalvageable.
A Spidertracks satellite tracking unit aboard the aircraft, however, had relayed a signal every 10 seconds during the flight, with its last transmission logged moments before the crash.
The AAID said the ongoing investigation would analyse all documented evidence "to establish the findings, conclusions, probable causes, or contributing factors, and to issue any necessary safety recommendations to prevent future accidents."
