A probe into the chopper crash that killed General Francis Ogolla has revealed that the accident was caused by engine malfunction.
In the report that was released on Friday, April 11, various aspects such as weight and weather were ruled out as they were less likely factors.
The former KDF boss was onboard the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 when it crashed after leaving Cheptulel Boys High on April 18, 2024.
"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," read the statement in part.
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"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."
According to the report, there was a loud bang occasioned by an engine compressor stall (surge).
"The Helicopter suffered an engine compressor stall (surge), which is consistent with the 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.
"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," read the report in part.
Meanwhile, it was noted that reedy measures were being taken to avoid such an occurrence again.
