Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla takes oath of office as the incoming Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) at State House, Mombasa on July 23, 2021. [PSCU, Standard]
An investigation by the Kenya Defence Forces has concluded that the helicopter crash that claimed Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla’s life was caused by engine malfunction.
According to a report released by the Ministry of Defence on April 11, 2025, the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 suffered an engine failure mid-air, resulting in a complete power loss.
The crew attempted to maneuver the aircraft to a clear landing zone but lost control, leading to the crash at Sindar Village in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The report ruled out pilot incompetence, poor maintenance, or bad weather as contributing factors as the investigation found the aircraft airworthy, flown by well-trained and experienced pilots, and operating under favorable weather conditions.
The Board of Inquiry confirmed that the helicopter’s engine had recorded a dangerously high temperature of 914°C moments before the crash, an indicator of a compressor stall and eventual engine failure.
“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,” read the report
