The ultimate hanger-on! Man begs for a ride on a helicopter… then clings on to it as it takes off and flies away

By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN

Published: 12:19 BST, 17 April 2025 | Updated: 20:04 BST, 17 April 2025

This is the shocking moment a man hangs onto a helicopter as it takes off from a wedding in Kenya.

Heart-stopping footage shows Stephen Odhiambo Ouma dangling hundreds of feet in the air and clinging on for dear life as he soars through the sky.

A stunned crowd can be heard gasping as they watch on in horror, praying for the father-of-two’s safe return.

Ouma, 28,had reportedly asked the chopper occupants for money and a ride before grabbing onto it as it left Rapogi village on Sunday, April 13.

After becoming aware of the extra passenger, the pilot made an emergency landing in a field nearby. 

Ouma told local media he was quite relieved to be brought down, as he had started to feel exhausted mid-air.

But he remained unapologetic and insisted he would have completed the 65-minute journey to Nairobi without issue.

Describing the experience as exhilarating, Ouma noted that he often relies on donkeys for transport so the flight marked a historic moment for him. 

This is the shocking moment a man hangs onto a helicopter as it takes off from a wedding in Kenya

Heart-stopping footage shows Stephen Odhiambo Ouma dangling hundreds of feet in the air and clinging on for dear life as he soars through the sky

A stunned crowd can be heard gasping as they watch on in horror, praying for the father-of-two’s safe return

According to police Ouma is expected to be charged with endangering his life and those of others aboard the helicopter

He added that he barely felt the cold during the short trip and even managed to keep his slippers on.

Ouma was later arrested at his home and is currently in police custody. 

According to police Ouma is expected to be charged with endangering his life and those of others aboard the helicopter.     

Police Commander Enrico Lyomu told local press: ‘After the incident, we began a search. He tried to escape and was very violent, but we managed to arrest him. He’ll face charges for risking lives, including his own.’

Lyomu also warned people not to attempt such reckless stunts, especially as helicopters have become more common in rural gatherings. 

:
The ultimate hanger-on! Man begs for a ride on a helicopter… then clings on to it as it takes off and flies away

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk