Nandi Helicopter Crash: Low Altitude Flight, Bad Weather and Black Box Recovery Revealed in Preliminary Report
The Nandi helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno has taken a new turn after a preliminary police report revealed that the aircraft was flying at a dangerously low altitude before striking trees and bursting into flames.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the helicopter, registration number 5Y-DSB, crashed on Saturday evening in Chepkiep, Mosop Sub-county, killing all six people on board.
Helicopter Was Flying at Low Altitude
In a statement on Sunday, March 1, Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed that investigators have already retrieved key flight instruments, including the helicopter’s black box.
“The wreckage, which was extensively damaged by fire, was cordoned off as forensic teams retrieved flight instruments and other technical components that could help to determine the cause of the crash,” Mukuusi stated.
The recovered instruments will now undergo forensic analysis to determine whether the tragedy was caused by mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions.
ICAO and Government Launch Investigation
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed that independent crash investigators from the International Civil Aviation Organization will conduct a probe and issue a preliminary report within 30 days.
“My Ministry, through the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department under the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development (AAID), has been on the crash site since yesterday and has initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident,” Chirchir said.
“In line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13. AAID has notified the State of Manufacture. Design of Aircraft, and ICAO will issue a preliminary report within 30 days,” he added.
The NPS has pledged full cooperation, stating:
“We appeal to the public to remain calm as investigations continue. Further updates regarding the investigation will be provided by the lead investigating agency in due course,” NPS stated in a statement on Sunday.
Flight Timeline Before Radar Contact Was Lost
The helicopter became airborne from Wilson Airport at 11:04am on Saturday. It landed in Emurua Dikirr at 11:55am to pick up MP Johana Ng’eno before departing again at 12:20pm.
After multiple stops in Mararianta, Endebess, and Eldoret Airstrip, the aircraft later landed in Tabolwa at 4:20pm and departed five minutes later.
Radar contact was lost at 4:26pm over Nandi County. Witnesses say the helicopter had earlier made an emergency landing in Mosop due to bad weather.
Eyewitnesses Describe Final Moments
Residents claim the pilot consulted locals for nearly 10 minutes before attempting to take off despite heavy mist and intermittent showers.
“The occupants kept making phone calls after the helicopter landed as the pilot assessed the weather. It remained airborne for only a few minutes before we saw it coming down,” one eyewitness said.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo later confirmed that preliminary findings point to adverse weather conditions as a likely cause.
Victims of the Tragedy
Besides Ng’eno, the crash also killed Kenya Forest Service ranger Amos Kipngetich Rotich, photographer Nick Kosgei, teacher Robert Kipkoech Keter, Narok County Protocol Officer Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono, and Captain George Were.
The nation continues to mourn as investigations intensify.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released.
Also Read: Iran Assures Kenya Safety Amid Escalating Middle East Missile Tensions
Nandi Helicopter Crash: Low Altitude Flight, Bad Weather and Black Box Recovery Revealed in Preliminary Report