Little evidence recovered from Samburu chopper crash site, officials say - Kahawatungu

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

Very little wreckage and evidence can be recovered from the site of the Wednesday helicopter crash since it is highly rugged and was extensively affected by fire.

The Air Accident Investigations Department (AAID), which is leading and directing the probe, Friday said all recoverable debris will be collected and transported to Nairobi under their custody.

“The investigation is nevertheless progressing, and the preliminary report will be released within 30 days, with the final report expected to be released within 12 months,” AAID said.

The investigation includes the examination and documentation of the accident site and wreckage, recovery and preservation of relevant evidence, assessment of aircraft systems and components, and review of operational and maintenance records.

It also includes analysis of flight-path and other available data, coordination of specialist examinations and testing, and determination of the causal and contributory factors.

AAID has said all relevant States and parties have been duly notified and are participating within their respective roles under International Civil Aviation (ICAO) Annex 13 which imposes an obligation on the State in which the aircraft accident occurs to institute an inquiry in certain circumstances and, as far as its laws permit, to conduct the inquiry.

Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA-France), being the State of Design and State of Manufacture of the aircraft and engine, has also appointed an accredited representative, supported by a team of technical advisers, to join the probe.

The representatives are expected to participate in relevant technical activities under the direction and coordination of the AAID Investigator-in-Charge, including access to relevant evidence and technical information and participation as appropriate.

The US’ National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), by virtue of the fatalities involving US citizens, has a special interest in the accident and has also appointed an expert from its Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance (TDA).

“The investigation is conducted solely for the prevention of future accidents and incidents and not for the apportionment of blame or liability,” AAID said.

The recovered remains are currently at Lee Funeral Home, Nairobi where postmortem examination was conducted on the bodies and samples collected.

The probe into the incident took an international dimension following the deaths of seven people, including an Ecuadorian intelligence chief, his wife and five American citizens.

The luxury safari flight ended in tragedy on Wednesday, August 19, when the helicopter crashed in the remote area, killing everyone on board.

The victims included Ecuadorian intelligence official Michele Sensi Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan, as well as five Americans who had travelled to Kenya for what was understood to be a private safari.

Sensi-Contugi, 44, was an Italian citizen with dual Ecuadorian nationality and headed Ecuador’s national intelligence agency.

The deaths have prompted diplomatic attention from Ecuador, the United States and Italy as Kenyan authorities begin investigations into one of the country’s latest aviation tragedies.

Authorities have yet to establish what caused the helicopter to crash.

Investigators are expected to examine several possibilities, including mechanical failure, adverse weather, pilot error, visibility, terrain and other operational factors.

There is a likelihood that the chopper was hit by a hostile force.

The area is remote and some bandits roam there.

Investigators said they were open to the theory of a possible hit from down.

The aircraft involved, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, is commonly used for charter, safari and conservation flights and is designed to operate in environments such as those found across Kenya’s remote tourism destinations.

The pilot was said to be experienced.

The rugged landscape around Mount Ololokwe could present challenges to aircraft operating in the area, but investigators will have to determine through technical evidence whether terrain or weather contributed to the accident.

Rather than relying on preliminary assumptions, investigators will need to reconstruct the helicopter’s final moments using flight records, aircraft components, communications, witness accounts and evidence recovered from the crash site.

The identity and backgrounds of those on board have added unusual international attention to the crash.

The presence of an Ecuadorian intelligence chief among the victims has particularly heightened interest, given his position in Ecuador’s national security establishment.

However, there is currently no evidence linking the passengers to anything other than a private tourism trip.

The circumstances under which the group travelled together, their itinerary and the purpose of the flight will form part of the broader inquiry into the accident.

Investigators are also expected to establish the helicopter’s departure point, intended destination, flight path and communications before the crash.

The deaths have prompted responses from the governments and diplomatic representatives of the countries connected to the victims.

Ecuador faces the loss of a senior intelligence official, while the United States is dealing with the deaths of four citizens who had travelled to Kenya for a safari.

Italy has also been drawn into the diplomatic response following the death of a dual national.

For Kenya, meanwhile, the crash raises fresh questions about the safety of helicopter operations supporting the country’s high-end tourism industry.

Helicopters are an important component of luxury safari tourism, providing access to remote conservancies, lodges and destinations that can be difficult to reach by road.

The accident therefore comes at a time when the safety of charter and safari aviation is under scrutiny, particularly in remote areas where emergency response and recovery operations can be challenging.

The focus of investigators will now be on reconstructing the final stages of flight 5Y-GYM and determining what happened before the helicopter struck the ground.

The aircraft wreckage, flight documentation, maintenance records and pilot information will be critical to the investigation.

Authorities will also need to establish whether there were any warnings or abnormalities before the crash and whether the aircraft and crew were operating within approved procedures.

Until investigators release their findings, the cause of the crash remains unknown.

What began as a tragic helicopter accident in the Samburu wilderness has now become an international aviation investigation, with families in several countries awaiting answers about what caused the aircraft carrying their loved ones to go down near Mount Ololokwe.

Reporting originally appeared via Kahawa Tungu. Read the full source for additional context.