Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Six passengers and a pilot were killed when an Airbus Helicopters EC130B4 helicopter crashed during a sightseeing flight at Kirish near Mount Ololokwe in Kenya on Wednesday. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it is investigating the accident, which happened at 9:13 a.m. local time after the aircraft, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, had departed from a wildlife area in Loisaba.
Five of the passengers killed were U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. State Department. Among others on board was Michele Sensi-Contugi, who was the director of Ecuador’s Center of Strategic Intelligence and a member of President Daniel Noboa’s cabinet.
The single-engine EC130 (5Y-GYM) was part of a fleet that also includes some AS350B3 helicopters and Cessna 208B Grand Caravans. Lady Lori Helicopters, which is based at Wilson Airport (HKNW) in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, said it is cooperating with the official accident investigation. The flight was operated on behalf of a tour group called &amp;Beyond.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Seven Killed in Kenyan Eurocopter EC130 Helicopter Sightseeing Flight

Single-engine rotorcraft crashed near Mount Ololokwe

Seven people were killed when an Airbus EC130 B4 rotorcraft operated by Lady Lori Helicopters crashed during a sightseeing flight in Kenya.

Seven Killed in Kenyan Helicopter Sightseeing Flight

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Investigators focus on somatogravic illusion and pitch-trim setting

NTSB Releases Docket Info on Philly Learjet Accident

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Damaged light business jet is operated by Italian charter group Slam Air

Handling Vehicle Collides with Beechjet 400A in Milan

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Aerodiana confirms it operated the sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines archaeological site

Grand Caravan Crash at Heritage Site in Peru Kills 13

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

A pair of Bell 412STs collided while fighting fires near Athens

Two Killed in Greek Helicopter Midair Collision

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, August 2026

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: August 2026

FAA action would require more inspections for affected turbines

Comment Period Closes on GE CF34 Engine Corrosion AD

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Accidents

NTSB Releases Docket Info on Philly Learjet Accident

Investigators focus on somatogravic illusion and pitch-trim setting

Handling Vehicle Collides with Beechjet 400A in Milan

Damaged light business jet is operated by Italian charter group Slam Air

Grand Caravan Crash at Heritage Site in Peru Kills 13

Aerodiana confirms it operated the sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines archaeological site

Two Killed in Greek Helicopter Midair Collision

A pair of Bell 412STs collided while fighting fires near Athens

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: August 2026

Preliminary and final accident reports, August 2026

Comment Period Closes on GE CF34 Engine Corrosion AD

FAA action would require more inspections for affected turbines

Uncoordinated Flight Eyed in TBM 850 Manitoba Flameout

One of four aboard taken to hospital with minor injuries

Fuel Exhaustion Left King Air Crew Out of Time, Altitude

AFM prohibits takeoff with fuel in yellow caution band; instructor failed to supervise airspeed in pattern

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