Seven Killed in Kenya Safari Helicopter Crash

A tourist helicopter crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya on Wednesday, killing all seven people on board, including four American citizens.

• 9:13 a.m. local time: the Eurocopter EC130 B4 went down near Mount Ololokwe.
• The aircraft was on a scenic flight from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro river.
• Luxury tour operator &Beyond confirmed its guests were aboard the chartered flight.
• Lady Lori Helicopters operated the flight; Tropic Air Kenya denied any ownership of the downed aircraft.

Why it matters: Helicopter crashes have occurred with increasing regularity in Kenya, where domestic air travel is essential for reaching remote safari destinations.

• In February, six people died in a helicopter crash in western Kenya, including a member of parliament.
• In 2024, Kenya's military chief died when an army helicopter carrying 11 people crashed, with only two survivors.

How 35 sources split on this story

Where they split: Early reports disagreed on the operator of the downed aircraft, with local media initially — and incorrectly — naming Tropic Air Kenya before corrections were issued.

What’s next: Kenya's transport ministry and Aircraft Accident Investigation Department are leading the inquiry.

• The Kenya Red Cross said teams were participating in a multiagency response to reach the crash site.
• What caused the helicopter to crash?
• Were all seven passengers tourists, or were some crew members?