Lady Lori Helicopters Confirms Fatal Crash Near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu

Lady Lori Helicopters has officially confirmed the death of all seven individuals aboard one of its charter helicopters that crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on the morning of August 19, 2026.

The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered as 5Y-GYM, was operating a charter flight for safari operator &Beyond, transporting guests from Suyian Conservancy toward the Ololokwe area when the incident occurred around 9:13 a.m.

Company Statement and Investigation

In a statement issued later that day, Lady Lori Helicopters expressed deep sorrow and extended sympathies to the victims’ families and all affected by the tragedy. The firm noted that it is cooperating fully with authorities and that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our aircraft was involved in an accident on the morning of 19 August 2026 near Kirish, close to Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County," the statement read. "Out of respect for those involved and their families, we will not provide further details at this time."

Authorities’ Response and Recovery Efforts

• The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) identified the helicopter type and confirmed the crash time.
• The Air Accident Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is leading the formal inquiry.
• The Kenya Red Cross reported difficulties in accessing the remote and rugged crash site, deploying drones to assist search and recovery operations.
• Witnesses described seeing thick black smoke and flames shortly after the crash.

Victims Identified

Police confirmed there were no survivors. The pilot was identified as Josh Outran. The six passengers were named as Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi, and Suian Suarez, the sole female onboard.

Among the deceased was Michele Sensi Contugi, a notable Italian-Ecuadorian businessman and former president of Ecuador’s national intelligence agency. Reports indicate he was traveling with his wife, named variously as Suian Suarez or Stephany Vasconez. Official confirmation of the victims’ nationalities is pending.

Mount Ololokwe

The crash site is near Mount Ololokwe, a prominent tourist attraction in Samburu County known for its unique rock formations and rich wildlife.

The KCAA extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as investigations continue.