Zimbabwe’s preliminary on-site investigation into the helicopter crash that killed businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and 3 others has been completed, with the wreckage moved to a government hangar for detailed forensic examination involving international aviation experts.
The Bell 430, registered as Z-PED and operated by Sky Helicopters Private Limited, came down at Kudenga Farm in Mashonaland East on September 30. It was on a private flight from Gandami in Chikomba District towards Marondera. All 5 people on board died: Chivayo and Muteke, aide Sanelisiwe Magagula, and pilots Captain Calvin Soda and Captain Courage Mutavira.
The aircraft wreckage has been taken to the Government Hangar at Charles Prince Airport, where investigators will examine it in detail. The work is expected to include international specialists, as officials seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had received an update from Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona. He said the Government had instituted a full investigation under Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 13:15.
“The public is informed that a full investigation was instituted pursuant to Annexure 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Civil Aviation Act Chapter 13:15. Preliminary on-site investigations have been concluded, with the wreckage being recovered to the Government Hanger at Charles Prince Airport to allow for detailed forensic examination including international experts,” said Dr Soda.
The completion of the on-site phase does not mark the end of the inquiry. Investigators are now expected to study the aircraft, the conditions surrounding the flight and the records connected with its operation. Dr Soda said these would include meteorological information, maintenance records and documentation relating to the operator and crew.
“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,” he said.
A preliminary report is therefore expected by the end of October. The Government has not announced a cause for the crash. Any findings from the examination of the wreckage and records will form part of the investigation, which remains under way.
An intact aircraft recorder, commonly referred to as a black box, was recovered from the crash site in the first days after the accident, according to officials. The recorder may provide investigators with technical information about the flight, while the recovered wreckage will be examined for physical evidence. No results from either examination have yet been made public.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe’s director general, George Mashababe, said preliminary observations at the scene indicated that fuel spilled when the helicopter struck the ground and that a fire burnt the surrounding grass. He said the cause of the crash had yet to be established. Those initial observations describe conditions after impact; investigators are continuing to examine what happened before the aircraft came down.
The crash drew an immediate response from emergency services and aviation officials. Police initially said the aircraft had crashed at about 5pm, and authorities began identifying the victims after the incident. Transport Minister Felix Mhona later visited the site with aviation officials as the investigation got under way. The bodies were badly burned, making formal identification necessary, police said at the time.
The victims were laid to rest in separate ceremonies. Magagula, who worked as Muteke’s aide, was buried at her rural home in Daluka village, Lupane. The two pilots were buried in ceremonies in Marondera and Chiredzi. Chivayo and Muteke are due to be buried together at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday, October 8. Their family said preparations were under way for the funeral, with their bodies expected to lie in state at the family home before the burial.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited the Chivayo family home in Harare to offer condolences and accorded the businessman Provincial Hero status. The President described Chivayo as a personal friend and spoke of his grief over the deaths.
“This is God’s doing and His will. I am hurt. I am the President, but he was my friend,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Government said further updates would be issued as the investigation progresses. Dr Soda expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, saying: “Further updates will be given as the nation mourns together with the bereaved families on this tragic and sad loss.”
The examination at Charles Prince Airport is expected to bring together evidence gathered at the farm with technical checks on the aircraft and its records. Investigators will consider the weather information for the flight, the helicopter’s maintenance history, the operator’s records and information about the crew. The preliminary report will provide the first formal account of the inquiry’s progress, while the detailed forensic work continues.