KCAA Confirms Six Tourists Dead After Helicopter Crash Near Mt. Ololokwe

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed the death of six tourists following a helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

In a statement, KCAA said the accident involved a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, which was conducting a flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m.

“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirms that an aircraft accident involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, has occurred at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on Wednesday, 19 August 2026,” KCAA stated.

The aviation authority said it is coordinating with relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident, with the Air Accident Investigation Department leading investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Helicopter Crashes Near Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County

KCAA also extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims following the tragic incident.

Earlier preliminary reports indicated that the chopper, which is based at Loisaba, had picked up clients from Suiyan who are said to have been booked by End Beyond Safaris.

Smoke and fire have been reported at the scene, with locals and rescue teams responding to the incident.

An Air Tropic rescue helicopter has reportedly arrived at the scene as efforts to reach those involved continue.

The cause of the crash is yet to be established, while the condition of those on board remains unconfirmed.

” A helicopter has reportedly crashed near Kirish, close to Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County. The chopper is reportedly based at Loisaba and had picked up clients from Suiyan. The clients are said to have been booked by End Beyond Safaris.”

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The incident comes months after another fatal helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, that claimed the lives of six people, including Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Kipyegon Ng’eno.

The February 28, 2026 crash involved a helicopter with registration number 5Y-DSB, which crashed and burst into flames in Chepkiep, Mosop Sub-county.

According to reports, the aircraft had made an emergency landing in the area due to bad weather before crashing shortly after attempting to take off again when weather conditions improved at around 4:45 p.m.

Authorities used gadgets and photos recovered at the scene and on the mobile phone to assist in identifying the remaining occupants.

According to Flightradar24 data cited in the report, the aircraft was an Airbus Helicopters H125 and had departed Nairobi at approximately 11:02 a.m. on February 28.

About Mount Ololokwe

Mount Ololokwe, also known as Ol Donyo Sabache, is a prominent flat-topped sacred mountain in Samburu East, Samburu County, rising to about 2,000 metres above sea level.

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It is a revered spiritual site for the Samburu community and a popular destination for hikers and campers.

The reported crash site near Mount Ololokwe is roughly 100 to 120 kilometres northeast of the Suyian area in Laikipia County, from where the helicopter is reported to have picked up the clients.

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