KFS Helicopter Crashes at Kericho Golf Club, All Five Occupants Escape Unhurt
A Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crashed while attempting to take off at Kericho Golf Club on Monday afternoon.
The helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, was carrying five occupants at the time of the incident.
Reports suggest that Environment Principal Secretary Festus K. Ng’eno was among the passengers aboard the helicopter.
All Occupants Safe
KFS confirmed that all five occupants escaped unhurt.
Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo said the helicopter lost altitude and crashed shortly after take-off, before gaining significant height.
Wreckage at the Scene
Images obtained by this publication show the damaged helicopter lying on a grassy field, with its tail section severed from the main fuselage.
The aircraft’s registration markings identify it as 5Y-FSK. The helicopter is painted green and white, consistent with its identification as a KFS aircraft.
Emergency responders and bystanders gathered at the scene following the crash.
Investigation Underway
KFS also confirmed that the helicopter belonged to the agency and that everyone on board was safe.
Kilonzo further said emergency responders and security personnel were assessing the scene, adding that further details would be released as investigations progressed.
Recent Aviation Incidents
This comes two months after another helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on August 19, killing all seven occupants aboard.
The Air Accident Investigation Department reported that a landing skid struck a rock during a turn near the summit, causing the helicopter to lose control and catch fire.