Two helicopters, reportedly owned by one of Kenya’s media moguls but operated by Corporate Helicopters, yesterday blew up a proverbial sandstorm on Chale Island on the Kenyan coast, when they landed on the beach with an apparent lack of proper authorization.
Mr. Fabio Beltramini, a former Ugandan resident, was on location at the time for a vacation and took pictures. He confirmed through the resort manager that no permission had been given to land two rotor aircraft on the beach of the resort, although the resort on its Facebook page later posted a picture with the heading “Welcome,” something which incensed Mr. Beltramini and other guests even further after they were literally blown off the beach.
Dozens of visitors had to scramble for their safety when the two helicopters swooped in and landed on the beach, creating a sandstorm as the heli blades sent sand and beach debris flying all over the place and blew tourists possessions off their sunbeds.
It then transpired that a group of Chinese tourists were passengers in the two choppers, registrations of which were established to be 5Y-DSM and 5Y-SGM, also seen in the pictures. Ranted another guest who wished to remain anonymous after learning that the incident would be published here: “If they don’t try to smuggle ivory or buy other prohibited wildlife products, then they do such incredibly stupid acts. Does Kenya really want such tourists?”
To strengthen his case, Mr. Beltramini also took pictures of the beach location, before the landing of the two helicopters and while their landing was in progress.
A comment by the photographer on his Facebook page said: “Completely crazy!!! Helicopters landing ON PEOPLE!! Everyone had to rush away as the sand raised was blinding everyone!! And the damages they did to trees, umbrellas, and people’s belongings! Crazy, dangerous, and life threatening!! Shame, shame, shame!!”
Whether permitted by management or not, questions still need answering if air traffic control had sanctioned a flight plan to Chale Island and gave permission to land outside any designated airport, aerodrome, airfield, or helipad, and what action will be taken against the two pilots who clearly, going by eyewitness accounts, endangered the lives of people who were at the beach while the two crafts were landed.
