Overview
- The Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered 5Y-GYM went down after departing Loisaba wildlife reserve and crashed in the rugged foothills of Mount Ololokwe, killing seven people on board, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said Wednesday.
- Emergency crews from the Kenya Red Cross and other agencies launched a multi-agency response and Tropic Air deployed helicopters to assist, but responders have been hampered by steep, hard-to-reach terrain and footage showed smoke at the site.
- The aircraft was owned by Lady Lori Helicopters and was operating a charter carrying guests booked with tour operator &Beyond, and company statements have confirmed the flight and their cooperation with authorities.
- The Ministry of Roads and Transport has assigned the Air Accident Investigation Department to lead the official probe into cause and circumstances, and the KCAA said an investigation is underway.
- The crash follows a recent pattern of fatal helicopter accidents in Kenya, which could prompt tighter oversight of small charter operations and affect how tourists are moved between remote conservancies.