A harrowing account of the last radio transmissions made by a pilot before a fatal helicopter crash has emerged. The crash, which occurred on September 30, 2026, claimed the lives of five people, including prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. According to a security aide who was traveling in a separate helicopter, the pilot carrying Chivayo repeatedly radioed that he was trapped in bad weather and unable to exit the cloud.
The security aide, who was on the same return journey as Chivayo, described the deteriorating conditions in the sky. As both helicopters attempted to navigate the worsening weather, the aide monitored radio communication between the two pilots. The pilot carrying Chivayo suggested rerouting through Bromley to avoid the bad weather. However, the transmissions grew increasingly alarming as the pilot struggled to navigate the conditions.
The last known position of the stricken aircraft was over Surrey. When the aide's pilot radioed that he was ten minutes from Marondera, the response from the other cockpit was unsettling. The pilot flying the helicopter carrying Chivayo appeared confused, asking, "Which destination?" Our pilot responded that it was Marondera, but no reply came. All communication with the other helicopter was subsequently lost.
The aircraft crashed shortly after the last transmission, killing everyone on board. The death toll was initially reported as six, but the security aide clarified that the correct number was five. No further identities of those on board were confirmed in his account. Chivayo, a high-profile Zimbabwean businessman, was among those traveling in the ill-fated helicopter.
The security aide's testimony represents the most detailed eyewitness account to emerge from the tragedy, offering a minute-by-minute picture of how quickly the situation unraveled in the final moments before the crash. The aide's account provides valuable insights into the events leading up to the disaster.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions. An investigation into the cause of the crash is likely to be conducted. The Zimbabwean business community has been left reeling from the news of Chivayo's passing.
The article was published on October 1, 2026, at 12:14 PM by Ruth Sekyi, Entertainment Editor at Yen.com.gh. The report is based on an interview with the security aide who was traveling in the separate helicopter.
Key points
- The pilot carrying Wicknell Chivayo was trapped in bad weather and unable to exit the cloud before the fatal crash.
- The last transmission from the pilot was a confused inquiry about the destination, Marondera.
- The correct death toll from the crash was confirmed as five people, including Wicknell Chivayo.
