Kenya Helicopter Crash: 5 Americans, Ecuador Intelligence Chief Among 7 Killed

August 20, 2026

Nairobi: Five US nationals and Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi were among seven people killed after a helicopter crashed in Kenya’s central region on Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

The helicopter crashed at Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, with all seven people on board reported dead, Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoro said.

According to Kenya’s civil aviation authority, seven people were travelling on the aircraft when it crashed.

Seven killed in helicopter crash

The helicopter was carrying guests from luxury tour operator &Beyond, according to Lady Lori Helicopters, the aircraft operator.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Sensi-Contugi, who served as director general of Ecuador’s intelligence agency, was among those killed along with his wife, Stephany Sensi, a fashion designer, according to Ecuadorian state media.

Telemundo also reported that its executive Jose Suarez was among the victims.

Ecuador’s presidential office expressed condolences to Sensi-Contugi’s family following the crash.

US confirms deaths of five citizens

The US State Department confirmed that five American citizens died in the helicopter crash.

“The US Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance,” a State Department spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also extended condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.

Search and recovery operation underway

The Kenya Red Cross said search and recovery efforts were underway at the crash site.

However, operations were being hampered by difficult terrain and an active fire in the area.

The Red Cross said an additional team had been dispatched from Isiolo to support the recovery operation.

Helicopter crashed during journey

According to Kenya’s civil aviation authority, the aircraft was travelling from the Loisaba wildlife conservancy to the Ewaso Ngiro River when it crashed.

The helicopter was an Eurocopter EC130 B4, a single-engine aircraft manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and originally developed by Eurocopter.

The aircraft can carry between five and seven passengers along with one pilot.

Investigation launched

Kenya’s Transport Ministry has launched an investigation into the crash to determine what caused the helicopter to go down.

Authorities are continuing search and recovery operations at the crash site as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.