The government has explained the reason behind the crash of a new police helicopter on June 13, 2020.
The accident that occurred in Meru saw the newly acquired chopper crash in a village within the area. Both occupants sustained minor injuries.
In a statement, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has revealed that the crash was caused by the pilot’s lack of situational awareness.
The CS adds that the situation was further complicated by the deteriorating weather conditions.
“The investigation identified the probable cause of the accident as the pilot’s lack of situational awareness and the decision to continue with the flight despite deteriorating weather conditions that occasioned spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of Helicopter control,” the statement read.
The investigation notes that the National Police Service Air Wing (NPSAW) standard operating procedures did not give guidance about the area forcing the pilot to make poor decisions.
The helicopter was on its way to Marsabit on a peace-keeping mission, and the pilot decided to conduct a precautionary landing on account of bad weather.
Coupled with heavy fog, the chopper crashed after colliding with trees in the area.
The pilot, Inspector Peter Kemboi, escaped with no injuries, but his co-pilot Inspector Jacinta Akorot had a slight injury on the right leg.
The Agusta Westland AW119 helicopter with registration 5Y-NPW crashed at around 7.30 am at the compound of Susan Kananu. The helicopter had been acquired six months early.
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