Robinson R44 crash near Nairobi, Kenya

A Robinson R44 Astro (G-CMCC, manufactured 2007) crashed and burst into flames while climbing from Nairobi-Wilson Airport at 08:30. During the slow takeoff attempt, the low rotor RPM warning sounded. The pilot aborted but the right skid hit a solidified clump of earth, destabilising the landing. The rotor struck the ground, flipping the helicopter onto its left side. Both occupants crawled out through the broken windscreen seconds before the 150 litres of aviation fuel ignited. Both sustained serious injuries.