PS Ng’eno survives KFS helicopter crash as Kenya’s aviation safety record comes under scrutiny
Pilot injured as chopper carrying five crashes during take-off at Kericho Golf Club amid heavy rains; incident revives memories of fatal helicopter and aircraft disasters involving Johana Ng’eno, General Francis Ogolla and George Saitoti
Environment Principal Secretary Festus K. Ng’eno was among five occupants who survived a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crash at Kericho Golf Club on Monday afternoon, in an incident that has renewed questions about aviation safety, weather-related risks and the circumstances surrounding aircraft accidents in Kenya.
The helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, crashed shortly after take-off at the golf club in Kericho County, with the pilot sustaining injuries and being rushed to hospital for treatment.
Ng’eno confirmed that he had escaped unhurt, seeking to reassure the public following reports of the accident.
Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo said no fatalities had been reported, although several occupants sustained injuries. Emergency responders and security officers were deployed to the scene to assist survivors, secure the wreckage and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The injured were reportedly taken to South Rift Hospital for medical attention.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the aircraft had barely gained altitude when it lost height and came crashing down.
The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall in the area, raising questions about whether adverse weather may have contributed to the accident.
The helicopter is identified as an Airbus Helicopters H125, also known as the AS350B3e Ecureuil, operated by the Kenya Forest Service.
However, the cause of the crash had not been established by the time of publication. Investigators will need to determine whether weather, visibility, mechanical failure, operational factors or a combination of circumstances contributed to the accident.
The condition of the injured pilot and the extent of damage to the aircraft had not been independently confirmed.
The incident adds to a succession of aviation disasters that have claimed the lives of prominent Kenyan political leaders, senior military officers, pilots, passengers and other citizens over the years.
