HARARE — The helicopter that crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera on Wednesday, reportedly killing businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo, was a privately operated aircraft whose make and model have attracted attention following the fatal accident.
Information circulating about the aircraft has pointed to helicopters in the Leonardo family, particularly the AW139 and AW119 Koala. However, the exact model involved in the Marondera crash should be confirmed through official aviation records and the ongoing investigation before a definitive identification is made.
The Leonardo AW139 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter initially developed by AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo. It is used worldwide for various purposes, including corporate and VIP transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement and offshore operations.
The AW139 made its maiden flight in February 2001 and entered service in 2003. More than 1,200 units had reportedly been produced by July 2024, reflecting the helicopter’s widespread use in civilian and government operations.
The aircraft was initially developed through a partnership between Italian manufacturer Agusta and Bell Helicopter of the United States. Bell later withdrew from the programme, leaving AgustaWestland to continue developing and producing the AW139.
Another helicopter in the Leonardo family is the AW119 Koala, a single-engine aircraft whose fuselage design is largely based on that of the twin-engine A109. Unlike the A109, the AW119 features a skid-type landing gear system.
The AW119 received certification in Italy in December 1999, followed by certification in the United States in February 2000. It was subsequently marketed as the AW119 Koala following the merger that created AgustaWestland.
The model has undergone several developments, including the AW119Ke and AW119Kx variants. The latter features a Garmin G1000NXi glass cockpit. Production has continued to serve military, law-enforcement and civilian operators.
The helicopter involved in the Marondera crash went down at Kudenga Farm, with Chivayo, his wife, Lucy Muteke, and other occupants reportedly on board. The accident claimed the lives of all those aboard.
The cause of the crash, the aircraft’s exact model and its operational history will need to be established through the findings of the aviation authorities investigating the accident.
The tragedy has drawn public attention to the helicopters used for private, corporate and VIP transport, as well as the importance of establishing the precise technical circumstances surrounding aviation accidents through official investigations.
