Seven Killed in EC130 Helicopter Crash During Kenya Safari Flight
A tourist helicopter crashed in northern Kenya, killing seven people, including five American citizens.
The aviation industry has been shaken by a tragic helicopter crash in northern Kenya. On August 19, 2026, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered 5Y-GYM, crashed near Kirish, close to Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, resulting in the loss of seven lives.
The helicopter was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying six passengers and one pilot on a charter flight from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the accident occurred at approximately 09:13 local time.
The six passengers who lost their lives in the crash included Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center, his wife Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, a dual US-Ecuadorian citizen, and José Alberto Suárez, a senior Telemundo executive based in Florida. The US State Department confirmed that five US citizens were among those killed.
The remote and mountainous terrain of the crash site complicated efforts to reach the wreckage. The Kenya Red Cross joined a multiagency response at the site, and Kenya's Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the crash investigation.
The EC130 B4 is a widely used helicopter for sightseeing and charter flights due to its large cabin, low external noise, and unobstructed views. Mount Ololokwe, also known as Ol Donyo Sabache, is a popular destination for hiking and wildlife tourism, and the crash site is located in the Samburu region, part of Kenya's northern safari circuit.
## Investigation and Response
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with Kenya's Air Accident Investigation Department leading the efforts. The remote location of the crash site has presented challenges for the investigators, but the Kenya Red Cross has joined a multiagency response to assist with the recovery efforts.
## Helicopter Specifications
| Feature | EC130 B4 | | --- | --- | | Seats | 7 | | Engine | Single-engine | | Manufacturer | Eurocopter (now part of Airbus Helicopters) |
The EC130 B4 is a popular choice for charter flights and sightseeing due to its spacious cabin and low noise levels. However, the crash has raised questions about the safety of these types of flights, particularly in remote and mountainous regions. The investigation into the crash will likely shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
