Tourist helicopter crashes in Samburu, killing seven, including five Americans
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
A Eurocopter EC130 B4 tourist helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, northern Kenya, on August 19, 2026, killing all seven people on board, including five Americans. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was flying from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area and crashed at about 09:13 local time. The US State Department confirmed the American deaths and said the US Embassy was providing consular assistance.
Key Facts
- The crash killed all seven people on board: six passengers and the pilot.
- The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the helicopter crashed at approximately 09:13 local time while flying from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area.
- The aircraft was an EC130 B4 registered 5Y-GYM, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters for guests of luxury safari company &Beyond.
- Among those killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center, his wife Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, and Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez.
- Kenya’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the crash investigation, with the Kenya Red Cross joining the multiagency response.
Crash Site and Route
The Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered 5Y-GYM, crashed near Kirish, close to Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, at approximately 09:13 local time on August 19, 2026. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was flying from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area when it went down. A preliminary police report from Archers Post said the helicopter was flying to Loisaba Conservancy at the time of the crash. Lady Lori Helicopters, the operator, said the aircraft was operating a charter flight from Suyian Conservancy to Ololokwe and was carrying guests of luxury safari company &Beyond. The remote and mountainous terrain complicated efforts to reach the wreckage, and the Kenya Red Cross joined a multiagency response at the crash site.
Victims and Responses
Six passengers and the pilot were on board; all seven died. The US State Department confirmed five US citizens were among the dead, and a spokesperson said the US Embassy was in touch with local authorities and providing consular assistance. Among the passengers killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center, his wife Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, and José Alberto Suárez, a senior Telemundo executive based in Florida; Ecuador’s Transport Minister Roberto Luque named Sensi-Contugi and his wife among the dead. Lady Lori Helicopters expressed condolences to the guests, crew, families, and loved ones. &Beyond confirmed that a helicopter carrying its guests crashed near Mount Ololokwe and said the cause had yet to be determined.
Helicopter and Safari Circuit
The EC130 B4 is a seven-seat, single-engine helicopter developed by Eurocopter, now part of Airbus Helicopters. The type is widely used for sightseeing and charter flights because of its large cabin, low external noise, and unobstructed views. Mount Ololokwe, also known as Ol Donyo Sabache, rises above the Samburu region and is a popular destination for hiking and wildlife tourism. Loisaba Conservancy and the Ewaso Nyiro River are part of Kenya’s northern safari circuit.
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Tourist helicopter crashes in Samburu, killing seven, including five Americans
