Close Call for Kenyan Officials in Baringo Chopper Crash

A privately owned helicopter carrying Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kenya Airports Authority Chairman Caleb Kositany narrowly avoided disaster on Saturday in Mwachon, Baringo County.

According to The Star, the green and white helicopter, registration 5Y-PKI, experienced a mechanical problem during takeoff. Thankfully, both Murkomen and Kositany emerged unscathed from the incident. Murkomen took to social media to express his relief following the ordeal. His post also referenced a previous visit to Nyatike, Migori County, where they offered condolences to Henry Ogoye, Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority, on the passing of his mother.

The incident raises concerns about the safety of the particular helicopter which is used for domestic non-scheduled passenger and cargo transport. Images circulating online show damage to the helicopter's skids, hinting at a potentially serious malfunction. This is not the first instance of the helicopter encountering technical difficulties. On August 10, 2020, then-Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth faced similar issues. Their helicopter failed to start at the Kericho Gold Club grounds during an official COVID-19 preparedness assessment visit, forcing them to use private vehicles instead.

The cause of the Baringo incident remains under investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID). The aircraft involved is a 2010 Bell 407 model, a widely used single-engine, four-blade helicopter suitable for civilian operations. With a cruising speed of 246 km/h and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,722 kilograms, the Bell 407 typically accommodates a pilot and seven passengers, with five in the main cabin. Its versatility extends to various sectors, including airlines, corporations, hospitals, government agencies, private ownership, and even some military organizations.