Revealed: Pilot killed in Samburu chopper crash was a fourth-generation aviator
By Steve Ireri, August 20, 2026Pilot Josh Outram, who was flying the helicopter that crashed in Samburu County and killed all seven people aboard, had spent years working in Kenya’s conservation sector, including helping rescue elephants and establish a rhino sanctuary.
The revelation was made by Loisaba Conservancy in a Facebook post on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as the conservancy mourned Outram, who flew for the organisation between 2020 and 2023 before establishing his own charter operation.
Loisaba described Outram as an experienced aviator and dedicated conservationist whose work extended far beyond flying helicopters across Kenya’s skies.
“Remembering Josh. Loisaba is heartbroken by the loss of Josh Outram in this week’s helicopter accident in Samburu County,” the conservancy wrote.
Loisaba also revealed that Outram contributed to the work of establishing the Loisaba Rhino Sanctuary, including helping with the construction of its fence.
The role placed him at the intersection of aviation and conservation, with his aircraft becoming an important tool in efforts to protect wildlife and secure the conservancy.
“Josh flew for Loisaba as our pilot from 2020 to 2023, playing an important role in our conservation and security work,” the conservancy said.
It added that he supported elephant rescues, aerial surveillance for security teams and responses to incidents on the ground.
He also helped with the work of establishing the Loisaba Rhino Sanctuary, “including building of the fence”, according to the conservancy.
“He supported elephant rescues, aerial surveillance for our security teams and responses to incidents on the ground, and helped with the work to establish the Loisaba Rhino Sanctuary, including building of the fence,” Loisaba wrote.
Outram was also described as a fourth-generation Kenyan who had spent more than 15 years flying across the country’s conservation and commercial aviation sectors.
His extensive experience was evident to people who flew with him, according to Loisaba, which said both colleagues and clients knew him for his skill and professionalism.
The conservancy also highlighted his ability to remain calm while flying in some of the most demanding conditions encountered in East Africa.
“His experience was evident to everyone who flew with him: colleagues and clients alike knew him for his skill, professionalism and calm in some of the most demanding flying conditions in East Africa,” Loisaba said.
Although Outram left his role at Loisaba in 2023, the conservancy revealed that he continued living there and remained closely connected to the community.
He subsequently established his own charter operation, marking another chapter in his aviation career.
Despite no longer working for Loisaba, the conservancy said Outram remained part of its community and continued offering his assistance whenever emergencies involving wildlife or people arose.
“Although he was no longer working for Loisaba, he remained very much part of our community and was always ready to help when emergencies arose involving wildlife or people,” it said.
Beyond aviation
The conservancy said Outram was generous with his time and knowledge and had developed a deep commitment to conservation during his years working around Kenya’s wildlife and wilderness areas.
It also remembered him as someone who had a genuine love for Kenya and its landscapes.
“Josh’s skill in the air kept people and wildlife safe for many years, but his contribution went far beyond flying,” Loisaba said.
It described him as a man who gave much of his life and career to protecting Kenya’s wildlife and wild places.
“Kenya has lost not only an outstanding and passionate aviator, but a dedicated conservationist who gave much of his life and career to protecting its wildlife and wild places,” the conservancy said.
Fatal Samburu crash
The aircraft had been carrying six passengers when it went down during a safari flight in northern Kenya.
All seven people aboard died in the crash.
The helicopter crashed in difficult terrain and burst into flames, complicating efforts by emergency teams to reach the site.