Chivayo helicopter crash cause yet to be established

The cause of the helicopter crash that killed controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy "Lulu" Muteke and three others in Mashonaland East last week remains unknown, with investigators now conducting detailed forensic examinations of the recovered wreckage.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said on Tuesday that preliminary on-site investigations had been completed, but authorities had yet to establish what caused the Bell 430 helicopter to crash at Kudenga Farm on September 30, 2026.

"The preliminary on-site investigations have been concluded, with wreckage recovered to the government hangar at Charles Airport to allow for detailed forensic examination, including international experts," Soda said during the post-Cabinet briefing.

The helicopter, registered in Zimbabwe as ZPED and operated by Sky Helicopters Pvt Ltd, was on a private flight from Gandami in Chikomba District to Marondera when it crashed, killing all five people on board.

The victims were identified as Chivayo, Muteke, pilot Captain Kelvin Soda, Senelisiwe Magagula and Captain Courage Mutavira.

Soda said the government had instituted a full investigation in terms of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act.

Investigators will examine the recovered wreckage alongside meteorological information, maintenance records and the records of the aircraft operator and crew.

"The investigation will include examination of meteorological information, maintenance records and the records of both the operator and crew," he said.

The minister said a preliminary report was expected within 30 days of the accident, in line with international aviation investigation standards.

He said the involvement of international experts in the forensic examination was expected to help investigators establish the events leading up to the crash.

"The involvement of international experts in the forensic examination is expected to assist investigators in establishing what happened before the helicopter went down," Soda said.

He added that the government would continue providing updates as investigations progressed, while the nation continued to mourn alongside the bereaved families.

The crash has attracted widespread attention because of Chivayo's high public profile and his controversial business dealings, with authorities cautioning against speculation before the completion of the official investigation.