This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
On July 17, 2020, a police helicopter crash in Meru, Kenya, made headlines, but the cause of the accident was not immediately clear. An investigation report has now shed light on the incident.
The helicopter, an Agusta Westland AW119 passenger helicopter, registration 5YNPW, was carrying two pilots and four passengers, including four senior police officers, who were headed to Marsabit for a security meeting.
According to the report, the helicopter lifted off from Wilson Airport and made a stop-over in Embu before proceeding with the journey. However, the weather was bad, and the pilot had to make an emergency landing before proceeding.
During the first emergency landing, the helicopter was successful, but the second landing attempt was not as smooth. The pilot noticed electric cables in front and crashed while trying to avoid them.
"The weather conditions appeared to deteriorate and the crew elected to make a landing at an area they had sited. As they approached the landing area in hazy conditions, at low 3 speed, he noticed electric cables in front," said Martin Lunami, the Chief Investigator of Accidents.
Four senior police officers were injured in the accident, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The crew escaped with minor injuries, and the passengers were evacuated from the wreckage with injuries of varying degrees.
