H-Metro Reporters
INTERNATIONAL aviation experts have been roped in to assist investigations into last week’s helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm, which claimed the lives of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and four others.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days of the accident.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda revealed the roping in of international aviation experts after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare.
The Bell 430 helicopter, registered in Zimbabwe as Z-PED and operated by Sky Helicopters (Pvt) Ltd, crashed on Wednesday last week while on a private flight from Gandami in Chikomba to Marondera.
All five people on board – Captain Calvin Soda and passengers – Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, aide Sanelisiwe Magagula and Captain Courage Mutavira – died in the crash.
President Mnangagwa accorded Chivayo Provincial Hero status and visited the family home in Harare last Friday to pay his condolences.
He described the deaths as a profound loss and Chivayo as a personal friend whose death had deeply saddened him.
“This is God’s doing and His will. I am hurt. I am the President, but he was my friend,” said President Mnangagwa.
Briefing journalists yesterday, Dr Soda said Cabinet received an update on the accident from Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona.
“The public is informed that a full investigation was instituted pursuant to Annexure 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 13:15,” he said.
“Preliminary on-site investigations have been concluded, with the wreckage being recovered to the Government Hangar at Charles Prince Airport to allow for detailed forensic examination, including by international experts.”
The investigation is expected to examine several possible contributing factors before conclusions are reached.
“Government advises that a preliminary report will be expected within 30 days of the accident, in line with international investigation standards, detailing examination of the wreckage, meteorological information including the weather, maintenance records, operator and crew records,” said Dr Soda.
Government said further updates would be provided as investigations progress, while expressing solidarity with the bereaved families following the tragedy.
