Experts begin analysis of Saitoti copter engine

Forensic experts have begun examining the engine of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed killing Internal Security minister George Saitoti, his deputy Orwa Ojodeh, their bodyguards and two pilots in June.

The scrutiny seeks to establish the conditions of the engine before the accident and determine whether a malfunction occurred.

The parts of the engine are to be dismantled in a piece by piece computer programmed exercise for the next two days. The engine was among other six crucial parts of the aircraft set aside for further investigations.

Speaking to journalists at Lady Lori Hangar at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Mr Brown Otuya, a joint secretary to the commission inquiring into the June 10 crash in Ngong, said the experts were expected to work independently and forward their finding(s) to the commission.

The team includes Mr Tim Carter from South Africa, for the Saitoti family, and Mr Clatus MacOwenga, the government’s chief air accidents investigator.

Eurocopter, the company which supplied the helicopter, was expected to send in a French analyst. (READ: Judge orders Eurocopter to apologise)

The investigation seeks to ascertain the pre-impact signals sent to the engine and accompanying parts to find out if any defects or failures were recorded.

The helicopter’s Global Positioning System (GPS), transmitters, digital control and engine malfunction display units, were to be tested abroad for more accurate data downloads.

The government has been consulting its Canadian and French counterparts for this analysis. Also to be assessed locally are aircraft’s rotor and gearboxes.

Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal is chairing the inquiry that has so far heard from 19 witnesses. The hearings resume on September 17.

The commission is expected to wind up its sittings early October.