KFS Helicopter Crashes During Take-Off in Kericho, Five Escape Unhurt

A Kenya Forest Service (KFS) helicopter crashed while attempting to take off at Kericho Golf Club on Monday afternoon, leaving all five occupants unharmed.

The aircraft, registration number 5Y-FSK, reportedly lost altitude shortly after take-off before crashing without gaining significant height, according to Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo.

Reports indicate that Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno was among those aboard the helicopter when the incident occurred.

KFS confirmed that the helicopter belonged to the agency and that all five occupants escaped without injuries.

Images from the scene showed the green-and-white aircraft lying on a grassy field, with its tail section severed from the main fuselage. Emergency responders, security personnel and bystanders gathered at the scene following the crash.

Police Commander Kilonzo said emergency teams were assessing the situation, adding that further details would be provided as investigations progressed.

The incident comes approximately two months after another helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on August 19, killing all seven people aboard.

According to reports, the Air Accident Investigation Department established that the helicopter’s landing skid struck a rock during a turn near the mountain’s summit. The impact reportedly caused the aircraft to lose control and catch fire.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Monday’s incident as investigations continue.

The Kericho crash adds to concerns over aviation safety following the fatal Samburu accident, although investigators have yet to establish the cause of the latest incident.

Further official information on the Kericho crash is expected as authorities continue examining the wreckage and gathering details about the circumstances leading to the accident.