Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) pilots have been commended for averting a major accident after an emergency landing with their Mi-35 helicopter gunship in Chitungwiza, which had developed a technical fault.
As a result of the actions, there were no casualties or damage to property on the ground and all the crew on board, including five aircraft technicians, did not sustain injuries.
Commander AFZ Air Marshal Elson Moyo commended the pilots for a masterful landing that saved the lives of the aircrew and the people on the ground.
“It took tremendous skill and presence of mind for the pilots to put the lives of the people on the ground first, while experiencing an emergency,” he said.
“I wish to commend the aircrew for averting a major accident and saving lives and damage to property.”
According to the AFZ, the pilots made the emergency landing after the helicopter developed a technical fault during flight on Thursday while flying from Kutanga Range in Kwekwe to Manyame Air Force Base.
“Group Captain Maxwell Sakupwanya as the Captain and Flight Lieutenant Atiowin Tsongora, as the co-pilot/navigator, however, had the presence of mind to steer the helicopter away from built-up areas and other obstacles before making a forced landing about five kilometres to the south of Chitungwiza (Unit L cemeteries),” said the AFZ.
Some Chitungwiza residents also praised the pilot for being astute.
“The incident occurred at 4.30pm and we feared for the worst, but the helicopter ended up landing at the dumpsite where there are no buildings,” Mr Spencer Kandoma said.
In April, four people, including two pilots and an engineer, 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. The Herald
Zvachembera zvinhu izvi pavakudiwa zvinyuwani
Tinashe Sipani hàaa maya idzo isimbi dzebasa dayi mati pakudiwa maspares
Depreciation and incompetence a cause for concern!
Ndege dza smith
Haa gunship yenguwa ya smith…
Drew Mkoki kkkkkkkkkkk taurayi zvamoziva
Sam Sam Links haa iwe unonozivei … Zvaora zvaora hazvichinje…
Sam Sam Links tisiye ne propaganda dzako idzo
Drew Mkoki kkkkkkkk this page yaramba kuvhura dayi ndakupa mapics
Sam Sam Links do share ku inbox
Sam Sam LinksSam Sam LinksSam Sam Links kkkkk no comment
Zero maintenance. At this rate, there won’t be a single chopper left 5 years from now. I feel sorry for the unfortunate individuals who are required to operate these flying coffins.
Tariro Ndoro whats the life span of tht Mi 35
Sam Sam Links I think 25yrs +
sure varipakaoma they can’t buy quality spares anywhere haaa ma sanctions akavarova pa pressure point chaipo
Those planes are too old and unserviceable
Ndege dza smith
Vachimboendepi nezvinhu zvakafa kuswero vhundutsira vanhu netundege twakafa
Maybe just maybe it’s a good thing that they not sent to Mozambique as they will be wipped out.
Why are these helicopters all of a sudden having accidents, asi pane mari ye insurance here🤔🤔🤔
Lack of proper maintenance
And how many died
Charles T Mayedzenge kkkkkk
Tipei engine dzacho tiite motor dzepombi yemvura becoz dzakura manje
Pisai marara ayo
These things are too old to be in the air space. This is a danger to human kind vanenge varimukati zvavo it’s all up to them but ndochema vanenge vari pasi.
Iwo ma pilot acho anezviwindi. Ku flyer ngarawa dzaNoah idzodzo
Takakuudzai kuti zvindege zvaora izvi