The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has identified the aircraft involved in Wednesday’s crash at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration number 5Y-GYM, as investigations into the accident get underway.
According to KCAA, the helicopter was flying from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. This marks the first official confirmation of details regarding the aircraft, even as the exact circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.
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In a statement, KCAA confirmed that the accident involved the Eurocopter EC130 B4, bearing registration 5Y-GYM, and occurred at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu County on the stated date.
Investigations into the crash are being spearheaded by the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, with KCAA coordinating with other relevant agencies and stakeholders in the response.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 — now marketed as the Airbus H130 — is a light, single-engine helicopter commonly used for passenger transport, tourism, and charter services. Depending on its configuration, the aircraft can typically accommodate a pilot along with six to seven passengers.
The crash was first reported earlier Wednesday near Mt. Ololokwe, with witnesses describing smoke and fire at the scene, prompting local residents and emergency responders to head toward the site.
KCAA’s statement did not disclose further details regarding the number of people on board or their identities. The authority did, however, confirm that the incident is being treated as an aircraft accident and extended its condolences to the families of those affected.
At this stage, no cause for the crash has been determined, with further updates expected from authorities as investigations continue.
