Government has released a preliminary investigation report into the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on February 28, 2026, in Chepkiep area, Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County, claiming the lives of all six people on board.

The report, published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, outlines early findings into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident involving an Airbus AS350B3 Ecureuil helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB.

According to the report, the aircraft was operated by Youth Aviation Limited and was conducting a commercial charter flight at the time of the incident.

On board were a pilot and five passengers, all of whom perished when the helicopter crashed near Chepkiep village.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation is being carried out in line with the Kenya Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Regulations, 2024, as well as international standards set under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter had successfully conducted several flights earlier in the day without any reported issues.

However, later in the afternoon, while en route to Emurua Dikirr, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather conditions, including fog, light rain, and reduced visibility.

These conditions forced the pilot to make a precautionary landing in an open field. Shortly after taking off again, the helicopter crashed into rising terrain approximately 200 metres from the take-off point.

As part of the investigation process, Kenya, acting as the State of Occurrence, Registry, and Operator, formally notified France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA), given that the aircraft and its engine were designed and manufactured in France.

The BEA has since appointed an accredited representative to participate in the investigation, supported by technical experts from Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopter Engines.

Investigators have recovered several onboard systems capable of storing operational data. These systems have been sent for specialized analysis to help determine the helicopter’s performance and the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Authorities note that while these findings are crucial, the exact cause of the accident has not yet been established.

In the meantime, the AAID has issued an interim safety recommendation to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), urging it to strengthen operational guidelines for helicopter operators.

The recommendation particularly emphasizes the need for stricter adherence to weather limitations and improved decision-making protocols during adverse flying conditions.

The government has reiterated that the primary objective of the investigation is to enhance aviation safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Officials stressed that the process is not intended to assign blame or determine liability but rather to uncover facts that can inform safety improvements across the aviation sector.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport, led by Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest aviation safety standards in the country.

The ministry assured the public and stakeholders in the aviation industry that transparency will be maintained throughout the investigation process.

The investigation remains ongoing, with a comprehensive final report expected upon completion. This report will include detailed findings, conclusions, and additional safety recommendations in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines.

Members of the public and industry stakeholders have been encouraged to access the full preliminary report through the AAID’s official website.

Authorities believe that sharing such information is critical in promoting accountability, improving safety measures, and restoring public confidence in the aviation sector.

The tragic loss of six lives in the Nandi crash including Emurua Dikirr Mp Johanna Ng’eno has once again highlighted the inherent risks in aviation, particularly under challenging weather conditions, and underscores the importance of strict compliance with safety protocols.