New Details Emerge on Final Minutes Before Helicopter Crash Killed MP Ng’eno

Authorities launch multi-agency probe as preliminary findings point to adverse weather conditions

Investigators have recovered the black box from the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in Nandi County on Saturday, February 28, killing all six people on board, including Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, authorities confirmed Sunday.

A preliminary report by the National Police Service indicated the aircraft was flying at a very low altitude before it struck trees and went down in Chepkiep, Mosop Sub-county. The helicopter, registered 5Y-DSB, burst into flames on impact, leaving the wreckage extensively damaged by fire.

Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed that forensic teams had cordoned off the crash site and retrieved the flight data recorder — commonly known as the black box — along with other flight instruments and technical components critical to the investigation.

“The wreckage, which was extensively damaged by fire, was cordoned off as forensic teams retrieved flight instruments and other technical components that could help to determine the cause of the crash,” Mukuusi said in a statement.

Investigators will subject the recovered instruments to thorough analysis to determine whether the crash resulted from mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions.

International Investigators to Issue Report Within 30 Days

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced that independent crash investigators from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will conduct their own investigation and issue a preliminary report within 30 days, in line with ICAO Annex 13 protocols.

Chirchir confirmed that Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID), operating under the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, had been present at the crash site since Saturday and had already initiated proceedings.

“My Ministry, through the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, has been on the crash site since yesterday and has initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident,” Chirchir said. “AAID has notified the State of Manufacture and Design of Aircraft.”

The National Police Service pledged to support the lead investigating agency by securing the scene and facilitating a seamless inquiry. “We appeal to the public to remain calm as investigations continue,” the NPS said in a statement.

Weather Conditions Under Scrutiny

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said preliminary findings suggest adverse weather conditions were a contributing factor in the crash.

Eyewitness accounts lend weight to that assessment. According to witnesses, the helicopter made an emergency landing in Mosop at approximately 4:45 p.m. due to deteriorating weather, with the pilot waiting for conditions to improve before attempting to resume the flight.

Witnesses say the pilot consulted with local residents for roughly ten minutes before deciding to take off, despite persistent heavy mist and intermittent rainfall. Observers noted that the occupants appeared to be in a hurry and were making repeated phone calls while on the ground.

“The occupants kept making phone calls after the helicopter landed as the pilot assessed the weather. It remained airborne for only a few minutes before we saw it coming down,” one eyewitness recounted.

The Victims

All six people aboard perished in the crash. In addition to MP Ng’eno, those killed were Captain George Were, the aircraft’s pilot; Kenya Forest Service ranger Amos Kipngetich Rotich; photographer Nick Kosgei; teacher Robert Kipkoech Keter; and Narok County Government Protocol Officer Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono.

Authorities have indicated that further updates on the investigation will be issued by the lead investigating agency in due course.