NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 11 — A Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigation has concluded that a fatal helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and nine other military personnel on April 18, 2024, was caused by an engine malfunction.
The Board of Inquiry, composed of MOD technical experts and Kenya Air Force aviation investigators, concluded that the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter (KAF 1501) suffered a catastrophic engine compressor stall—commonly referred to as a surge—shortly after take-off from Chesogon in West Pokot County.
“The helicopter suffered engine compressor stall (surge), consistent with witness reports of a loud bang at the engine compartment,” the report reads. “The measured gas temperature (MGT) gauge, when powered, displayed an over-exceedance of 914°C.”
The engine malfunction led to a complete power loss, followed by a left yaw, a drop in engine RPM, a low RPM audio alarm, and a change in engine noise—details confirmed through both witness accounts and accident scene reconstruction.
Following the engine failure, the pilots attempted to navigate the aircraft to a clear landing zone but lost positive control, resulting in the crash at Sindar Village, Kaben Sub-location, Tot Division in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“Having considered all factors based on facts and evidence gathered, the Board of Inquiry is of the opinion that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to engine malfunction,” the report seen by Capital FM states.
The crew was described as competent and experienced. “The captain was very experienced and competent. He was jovial and interactive with colleagues,” noted the investigation. “The co-pilot, though slightly reserved, communicated well when required. Crew coordination was less likely to be a contributing factor.”
The ill-fated mission had seen Gen Ogolla visit troops under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in North Rift counties before he presided over a school rehabilitation project in West Pokot. He was en route to Uasin Gishu to inspect other development works when the crash occurred.
The 12 people on board included senior officers from Defence Headquarters, pilots, aides, media personnel, and security officers. Only two survived: Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta and Corporal Frankford Karanja Mogire.
President William Ruto, during Gen Ogolla’s memorial service, had vowed transparency and accountability in the probe. “No stone will be left unturned,” he said, promising to make the investigation results public.