Harare, (New Ziana) – Government expects investigators to produce a preliminary report within 30 days into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and three other people, as authorities intensify efforts to establish what caused the aircraft to go down.
The investigation is now moving into a more detailed phase after the initial examination of the crash site was completed, with the wreckage transferred to the Government Hangar at Charles Prince Airport for further technical examination.
Chivhayo died in the helicopter crash last week.
Giving an update on the crash at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Zhemu Soda said the investigation would examine a range of factors surrounding the ill-fated flight, including the aircraft itself, weather conditions, maintenance history and records concerning the operator and crew.
“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,” Dr. Soda said.
He said the Government expected the first report within a month of the accident.
“Government advises that a preliminary report will be expected in 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.”
The 30-day timeline puts the investigation under increased public scrutiny as authorities seek to establish the circumstances that preceded the crash at Kudenga Farm in Mashonaland East Province on September 30.
Rather than relying solely on evidence gathered at the crash site, investigators will now have an opportunity to subject the recovered aircraft to a more comprehensive examination.
The involvement of international experts will also form part of the technical process as investigators attempt to piece together the sequence of events that ended in the loss of all five people aboard the aircraft.
The helicopter, a Bell 430 registration Z-PED, was being operated by Sky Helicopters Private Limited and was undertaking a private journey from Gandami in Chikomba District to Marondera when it crashed.
Those who died were pilot Captain Calvin Soda, Chivhayo, Muteke, Sanelisiwe Magagula and Captain Courage Mutavira.
Investigators are expected to assess the helicopter’s condition and maintenance history, examine information relating to the weather at the time, and review records concerning both the aircraft operator and crew.
Dr Soda said the Government would continue providing updates as the investigation progresses, while the country mourns those who died.
“Further updates will be given as the nation mourns together with the bereaving families on this tragic and sad loss,” he said.
Chivhayo and his wife are scheduled to be buried together at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday.
The funeral is expected to draw large numbers of mourners, including family members, friends, business associates and members of the public.
New Ziana
