Helicopter Hit Rock Formation Before Mount Ololokwe Crash That Killed Seven
The helicopter was destroyed by the impact and a post-crash fire. All seven occupants, including the pilot and six passengers, suffered fatal injuries.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
SAMBURU
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,2026
A helicopter that crashed at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, killing all seven people on board, struck a protruding rock formation near the summit while flying at low level along the mountain’s cliff face, according to a preliminary investigation report.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) said the Airbus helicopter was conducting a sightseeing flight when its landing-gear skid hit the rock during a manoeuvre near the summit on August 19, 2026.
The impact caused the landing-gear assembly to separate. The fuselage and remaining aircraft structure then descended uncontrollably down the steep mountainside and over a cliff before coming to rest at the base.
The helicopter was destroyed by the impact and a post-crash fire. All seven occupants, including the pilot and six passengers, suffered fatal injuries.
The victims 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.
Investigators found ground marks consistent with an impact by the landing-gear skid on the rock formation. The wreckage was spread across two main areas, with one site located on the steep slope and another at the base of the cliff.
According to the report, the helicopter had departed Loisaba Conservancy with the pilot on board before travelling to Suyian Conservancy, where six passengers were picked up for a scheduled scenic flight.
The flight proceeded to the Ewaso Nyiro River before the helicopter continued to Mount Ololokwe, where the passengers were scheduled to have breakfast.
Upon reaching the mountain, the helicopter flew parallel to the cliff face, apparently allowing the passengers to take photographs. It later circled back, climbed above the ridgeline and began a 180-degree left turn down the steep slope.
During the manoeuvre, the landing-gear skid struck the protruding rock formation near the summit.
Flight tracking data showed that at 9:12:34am, the helicopter was at an altitude of 6,185 feet above mean sea level, travelling at a groundspeed of 65 knots. It was last tracked at 9:13:12am at 6,500 feet above mean sea level and a groundspeed of 49 knots.
The wreckage eventually came to rest about 1,196 feet from the initial point of impact. Investigators said the helicopter suffered extensive structural damage before being destroyed by the ensuing fire.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
The AAID said the investigation is still ongoing and will examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including possible contributing factors.
The investigation is being conducted in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 13 procedures. Authorities from France, Ecuador, the United States, Britain, Italy and the ICAO have been involved in the investigation because of the aircraft’s manufacture and the nationalities of some of the victims. Airbus Helicopters, Safran Helicopter Engines and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have also assigned technical advisers.
Investigators will also examine the helicopter’s loading configuration, fuel quantity and distribution, payload and centre of gravity to determine whether the aircraft was operated within the manufacturer’s approved limitations. Maintenance records provided to investigators indicate that recent inspections and checks had been carried out by Lady Lori Engineering Ltd, an approved maintenance organisation based at Wilson Airport.
The AAID stressed that the investigation is aimed at establishing the circumstances, probable causes and contributing factors of the accident and preventing similar accidents in future. It is not intended to apportion blame or liability.
About Author
