FOUR people died while two others were injured after an Air Force of Zimbabwe Agusta Bell 412 (AB 412) helicopter crashed in the Hukuru Area in Arcturus, Mashonaland East Province on 04/23/2021.
The helicopter crashed into a house and two pilots and a technician as well as a child that was on the ground, were killed.
Another young girl and the mother, also on the ground, sustained burn injuries after the helicopter caught fire after crashing.Authorities were yet to name the victims, but Zimbabwe’s first female military helicopter pilot, 30 year old Flight Lieutenant Annita Mapiye, was one of the pilots who perished.
In a statement last night, the AFZ said the helicopter was from Number 8 Sqn at Manyame Air Force Base (Manyame AFB), which was on a general handling training sortie in the Seke-Domboshava Training Area.
“A dark cloud has engulfed the AFZ after news of the helicopter accident that claimed the lives of three aircrew and a civilian on the ground,” he said.
“When contact could not be established with the aircraft, the base activated a search and rescue operation. We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives after the unfortunate accident,” Air Force Commander Elson Moyo said in the statement.
The air force is investigating the cause of the crash.
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