Chivayo helicopter crash: Fuel spilled on impact before fire broke out, Zimbabwe says

Wicknell Chivayo during a past chopper ride. /WICKNELL CHIVAYO/XFuel spilled on impact before a fire broke out at the site of the helicopter crash that killed Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and five others, preliminary findings by aviation authorities have shown.

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe Director General George Mashababe said on Thursday,   the fuel spill was followed by a fire that burnt grass around the crash site in Marondera.

“Preliminary findings show that fuel spilled on impact, followed by a fire that burnt the grass at the crash site,” Mashababe said.

He said investigators had not yet established what caused the helicopter to crash.

“The cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained,” Mashababe said.

The helicopter crashed in Marondera on September 30, killing all six people on board, including Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke.

Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances that led to the crash.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the aircraft crashed at about 17:00 local time and had six occupants, but authorities did not immediately identify all those on board. 

ZBC reported that the group was travelling from Gandami in Chikomba, where Chivayo and his wife were building a rural home, when the helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm about 40 minutes after take-off.

Earlier, President William Ruto mourned Chivayo, describing the Zimbabwean businessman as a friend.

Ruto also sent condolences to the families of Chivayo, his wife and the other passengers who died in the crash.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe,” Ruto said.

“Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” he added.

Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa’s potential.

“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” Ruto said.

The friendship between the two was publicly seen in August when Ruto personally drove Chivayo to a helipad at his home in Kilgoris, Narok County.

Chivayo, who was in Kenya to attend a traditional engagement ceremony for Ruto’s daughter Charlene, captured the moment on video as the President drove him to the helipad.

Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa.