PILOT AND FOUR AMERICAN TOURIST DIE AS THEIR HELICOPTER CRASHES SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF
(Posted 04th March 2019)
(File picture of the crashed Bell Helicopter)
A Bell 505 Jet Ranger X crashed last evening in the Lake Turkana area of Kenya, killing all five on board.
The rotor craft, registered in Kenya as 5Y-KDL, MSN 65037, was reportedly flown by a pilot regularly flying for Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto.
The identity of the four American tourists has been withheld until their next of kin can be found and informed.
The wreckage was only found in the wee hours of today after a major search and rescue, later changed into a search and recovery mission went underway.
A second helicopter, seen flying in the area together with the stricken craft, reportedly arrived safely at their planned destination.
The tourists had according to information received visited Lobolo Camp.
An air accident investigation is now underway to establish not only the cause of the crash but also establish, if this privately owned helicopter was in fact licenced for commercial operations and to carry paying passengers.
Condolences are expressed to the families and friends of all those who perished in the crash.
