Investigators probing Wednesday’s helicopter crash at Mt Olololwe in Samburu County are facing a difficult task recovering evidence from the rugged crash site, which was extensively damaged by fire, the Air Accident Investigations Department (AAID) said on Friday.
The AAID, which is leading and directing the probe, said all recoverable debris would be collected and transported to Nairobi under its custody.
“The investigation is nevertheless progressing, and the preliminary report will be released within 30 days, with the final report expected to be released within 12 months,” AAID said.
The investigation includes the examination and documentation of the accident site and wreckage, recovery and preservation of relevant evidence, assessment of aircraft systems and components, and review of operational and maintenance records.
It also includes analysis of flight-path and other available data, coordination of specialist examinations and testing, and determination of the causal and contributory factors.
AAID said all relevant States and parties had been duly notified and were participating within their respective roles under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13, which requires the State in which an aircraft accident occurs to institute an inquiry in certain circumstances and, as far as its laws permit, conduct the inquiry.
Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA-France), as the State of Design and State of Manufacture of the aircraft and engine, has appointed an accredited representative, supported by a team of technical advisers, to join the probe.
The representatives are expected to participate in relevant technical activities under the direction and coordination of the AAID Investigator-in-Charge, including access to relevant evidence and technical information and participation as appropriate.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), because the fatalities involved US citizens, has also appointed an expert from its Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance (TDA).
“The investigation is conducted solely for the prevention of future accidents and incidents and not for the apportionment of blame or liability,” AAID said.
The recovered remains are currently at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, where postmortem examinations were conducted and samples collected.
The probe follows the deaths of seven people, including Ecuadorian intelligence official Michele Sensi Contugi, his wife Stephany Hollihan and five American citizens.
The helicopter crashed on Wednesday, August 19, killing everyone on board.
Sensi-Contugi, 44, was an Italian citizen with dual Ecuadorian nationality and headed Ecuador’s national intelligence agency.
Authorities have yet to establish what caused the helicopter to crash.
The investigation will focus on establishing the causal and contributory factors and reconstructing the final stages using available evidence and technical information.
