Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
A SAFARI aircraft crash-landed at the Chapoto airstrip in Mbire on Wednesday evening, with all passengers and crew escaping unscathed.
The incident occurred around 5pm as the operator, who was ferrying clients en route to Mozambique, attempted to land on the disused strip.
Ward 1 Councillor for Chapoto Village, Clr Christmas Kachasu, said the airstrip — which is under construction — is in a state of disrepair, with heaped gravel and encroaching shrubs. The contractor handling the works has since left the site.
“The aircraft landed on the unused strip and burst its tyres, but thankfully, there were no injuries to the pilot or his guests,” said Cllr Kachasu.
“It’s possible the pilot was unaware that the runway was not operational.”
While two functional airstrips exist in Kanyemba, the pilot may have made a calculated emergency decision, seeking the nearest available space to land safely.
“We are grateful that everyone is safe. At the same time, we appeal for the swift completion of the Chapoto airstrip to ensure the safety of future travellers.”
Mbire District Development Coordinator Mr Richard Maruta confirmed the incident, noting that the safari operator lost control and had to make an emergency landing.
Bongani Ndlovu