Captain Ronny, the pilot of the helicopter that accompanied Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's aircraft on its final flight, has shared a detailed account of the moments that led to the crash, which claimed five lives, including Chivayo and his wife Lulu. The two helicopters departed together from Gandami village in Chivhu, heading towards Marondera, with Captain Ronny flying on the left side of the route while Chivayo's aircraft, piloted by Captain Soda, travelled on the right.
According to Captain Ronny, the flight proceeded without incident until a cloud formation moved in from the east and enveloped his helicopter. He immediately radioed Captain Soda to flag the deteriorating weather, but Captain Soda responded that conditions on his side remained clear and that the horizon was still visible from his position. Captain Ronny managed to bank his helicopter out of the cloud and proposed that both aircraft take an alternative path through Bromley, where the sky looked clearer.
Captain Ronny and Captain Soda agreed to fly separately before meeting up at their destination. As Captain Ronny neared Mahusekwa, he claimed to have checked in with Captain Soda, who confirmed that Chivayo's helicopter was still inside the cloud but was moving in his direction. A short while later, flying over Bromley and roughly ten minutes from Marondera, Captain Ronny made one final attempt to confirm the other aircraft's position.
Captain Ronny stated that Captain Soda reportedly replied: "Stand by, I am still in the cloud." Concerned that any further communication might distract his colleague as he navigated the difficult conditions, Captain Ronny chose not to follow up, adding that those were the last words he heard from Captain Soda. Upon landing in Marondera, Captain Ronny said his crew began calling every phone number connected to the passengers aboard Chivayo's helicopter, but none of the calls connected.
The team initially held out hope that the aircraft had put down somewhere without mobile signal coverage. After some time, they decided to head back towards Harare and continue searching by road. Captain Ronny stated that it was during that drive that the news reached them: Chivayo's helicopter had gone down. Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lulu, and three others perished in the crash.
The incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash. YEN.com.gh had earlier reported on Wicknell Chivayo's Harare mansion, which he had not fully paid for before his death in a helicopter crash. The US$1.1 million balance was reportedly linked to an undocumented agreement to settle the debt through political services. Legal ownership had not been transferred, leaving the property's status unresolved.
Captain Ronny's account provides new insights into the events leading up to the tragic crash. The investigation into the incident is expected to continue, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Key points from the incident include:
Key points
- An unexpected cloud formation separated the two helicopters mid-flight.
- Captain Ronny proposed an alternative route through Bromley after the cloud formation.
- The last words Captain Ronny heard from Captain Soda were "Stand by, I am still in the cloud."
