A preliminary investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has revealed that a helicopter on a sightseeing flight over Mount Ololokwe in Kenya struck a rock formation near the summit, leading to a fatal crash that killed all seven people on board. The accident occurred on August 19, 2026, at about 9:13am. The helicopter, which had departed from Loisaba Conservancy in Samburu County, was flying close to the cliff face when the incident happened.
According to the AAID report, the helicopter's landing-gear skid hit a protruding rock during a low-level manoeuvre shortly after the pilot climbed above the ridgeline. The impact caused the landing-gear assembly to separate, after which the fuselage and remaining structure descended the steep slope before going over the cliff and coming to rest at its base. The helicopter was destroyed by the impact and a fire that broke out after the crash.
The victims of the crash were identified as pilot Josh Outram, former Ecuadorian Chief of Intelligence Michele Sensi Contugi, his wife Stephany Holihan, Roger Edward Duarte, José Alberto Suárez, Adam Hlavaty, and Henry Parra. The helicopter had picked up six passengers from Suyian Conservancy for a scheduled scenic flight before heading to Mount Ololokwe, where they were to have breakfast.
The AAID report stated that the helicopter reached the mountain at about 9:12am and flew parallel to the cliff face, allowing passengers to view the area and take photographs. The pilot then circled back along the cliff, made a right turn, and climbed above the ridgeline. He began a 180-degree left turn that directed the helicopter down the steep slope, during which the landing-gear skid struck the rock formation.
Ground marks found on the rock formation were consistent with an impact by the landing-gear skid. The aircraft travelled about 1,196 feet from the initial point of contact before reaching the base of the cliff. Investigators identified two wreckage areas: one on the steep slope where the initial impact occurred, and another at the bottom of the cliff containing the main wreckage.
The investigation into the probable causes and contributing factors of the accident remains ongoing. The AAID report noted that the accident occurred during low-level manoeuvring close to mountainous terrain, with Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) prevailing at the time. Flight tracking data showed the helicopter's final recorded altitude was 6,500 feet Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).
First responders accessed the hilly crash site and located the burning wreckage, finding that all seven occupants had suffered fatal injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. The wreckage was scattered over a large area, with some parts moved to a central location at the top of the mountain by local first responders.
Key points
- The helicopter struck a rock formation near the summit of Mount Ololokwe, leading to a fatal crash that killed all seven people on board.
- The accident occurred during low-level manoeuvring close to mountainous terrain, with Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) prevailing at the time.
- The investigation into the probable causes and contributing factors of the accident remains ongoing.
