Photo of Helicopter 5Y-GYM Before Samburu Crash Killing Seven Surfaces Online
A photo of the Eurocopter 5Y-GYM, which crashed at Lolokwe Mountain in Samburu killing seven, has emerged showing the aircraft intact days before the tragedy.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 19, 2026
2 min read
A poignant image of the Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered 5Y-GYM, has surfaced online, showing the helicopter in pristine condition shortly before it crashed in Samburu County.
The photo features a man dressed in traditional Maasai attire standing beside the red, silver, and green helicopter, set against the arid northern Kenyan landscape. At the time, the aircraft was grounded and appeared undamaged, unaware it would soon be involved in one of Kenya's most tragic recent aviation incidents.
Details of the Crash
On the morning of August 19, 2026, at approximately 9:13 a.m., the helicopter went down near Lolokwe Mountain while operating a charter flight from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that all seven people on board perished in the crash.
The impact caused a fire that destroyed the aircraft, leaving burnt wreckage scattered around the rugged terrain of Ol Lolokwe. Recovery efforts were challenging due to the location's difficult access, involving local morans, Kenya Red Cross teams, and other first responders.
Victims and Investigation
- Pilot: Josh Outran
- Passengers: Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vascanknez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi, Suian Suarez
At the time of reporting, the nationalities of the victims had not been confirmed. The KCAA expressed condolences to the families and noted that the Ministry of Roads and Transport's Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the inquiry into the crash's cause. Coordination with all relevant agencies continues as the investigation progresses.
