Helicopter Transporting Kenyan Governor Crashes into a Field

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 10-17-2020, 03:18 PM

In Kenya, an incident occurred that led to a near-death experience for Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, Narok East MP Lemanken Aramat, and several others as the helicopter they were traveling in crash-landed shortly after taking off.

The accident unfolded as they departed from Enkipejus village in Narok North Sub-county, where they had attended the funeral of Mzee Tompo ole Sasai, the father of the county's Finance executive, Julius Sasai.

Onboard the aircraft were Governor Tunai, MP Aramat, security personnel, and the pilot identified as Marc Goss, who serves as the head of the Rapid Response Unit at the Mara Elephant Project.

According to witness Joseph Kamotho, the pilot made multiple attempts to take off but faced difficulties in doing so. "The chopper took off after the fifth attempt but crash-landed after about 100 meters," he recounted, noting that it emitted an unusual sound.

The helicopter, registered as 5Y-MEP, crash-landed in a wheat plantation near Olkipejush village, resulting in the separation of its tail section from the main body.

This aircraft, bearing the inscription "Mara Trust," is affiliated with the Karen Blixen Camp Trust and is employed for wildlife conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara region. It often plays a crucial role in addressing situations where elephants encroach upon human settlements.

The exact cause of the crash remained undetermined at the time, although initial reports suggested potential mechanical issues. However, the pilot mentioned that adverse weather conditions and high altitude might have contributed to the incident.

Despite the tense moments and panicked reactions from residents, Governor Tunai and the other occupants were safely extricated from the wreckage. Red Cross personnel assessed the governor at the scene, and he subsequently traveled to Nairobi without any visible injuries.