Engine Malfunction: Military Probe Reveals Cause of General Francis Ogolla’s Chopper Crash

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) investigation has determined that the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and nine other military personnel on April 18, 2024, was caused by an engine malfunction.

The Board of Inquiry, comprising MoD technical experts and Kenya Air Force aviation investigators, found that the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter (KAF 1501) experienced a catastrophic engine compressor stall—commonly known as a surge—shortly after takeoff from Chesogon in West Pokot County.

“The helicopter suffered an engine compressor stall, consistent with witness reports of a loud bang from the engine compartment,” the report states. “The measured gas temperature (MGT) gauge, when powered, indicated an exceedance of 914°C.” reads part of the report seen by Kenya Insights.

The engine failure resulted in a complete loss of power, accompanied by a left yaw, a drop in engine RPM, a low-RPM audio alarm, and a change in engine noise, as corroborated by witness accounts and accident scene analysis.

General Francis Ogolla.

Following the malfunction, the pilots attempted to guide the aircraft to a clear landing zone but lost control, leading to the crash in Sindar Village, Kaben Sub-location, Tot Division, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“Based on the evidence gathered, the Board of Inquiry concludes that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to an engine malfunction,” the report released on Friday confirms.

The investigation described the crew as competent and experienced. “The captain was highly skilled and engaged positively with colleagues,” the report notes. “The co-pilot, though reserved, communicated effectively when needed. Crew coordination was unlikely to have contributed to the incident.”

General Ogolla’s mission involved visiting troops under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region and overseeing a school rehabilitation project in West Pokot.

He was en route to Uasin Gishu to inspect additional development projects when the crash occurred.

Of the 12 people on board—including senior officers from Defence Headquarters, pilots, aides, media personnel, and security officers—only two survived: Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta and Corporal Frankford Karanja Mogire.

During General Ogolla’s memorial service, President William Ruto pledged transparency in the investigation. “No stone will be left unturned,” he dec