Wicknell Chivayo: What Pilot Kept Saying While Struggling Through Bad Weather Before Crash

Details have emerged about what the pilot kept saying as he struggled to fly through bad weather before the helicopter carrying Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo crashed.

The pilot repeatedly told another pilot that he was flying in bad weather and was still inside the clouds. His final radio messages showed that he was having difficulty finding his way before communication with the helicopter was lost.

Froster Chisi, a security aide travelling in another helicopter, described what happened during the final moments before the crash on September 30, 2026.

Chisi said the two helicopters left Harare at about 3pm and flew to Gandami in Chivhu, where Chivayo had been supervising the construction of his rural home. They started flying back at around 4.20pm.

The weather became worse during the return journey. Chisi said the pilot of his helicopter suggested changing their route and going through Bromley.

As the pilots communicated by radio, Chivayo’s pilot repeatedly said he was in bad weather and had not yet come out of the clouds.His last known message reportedly placed him over Surrey. Chisi said his own pilot then told him they were about 10 minutes from their destination.

The pilot carrying Chivayo then reportedly asked which destination they were heading to. After being told Marondera, he did not respond.

All communication with the helicopter was then lost.

Chisi’s helicopter landed in Marondera and waited for the other aircraft. When it did not arrive, the security team returned to Harare to get vehicles and prepare to search for the missing helicopter.

The aircraft was later found at Kudenga Farm, about 85 kilometres east of Harare, where it had crashed. Everyone on board died.

Chisi also gave a different account of the number of people aboard the helicopter. He said there were five people, including Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, her personal aide and two pilots. An earlier police statement had reported six people.

Zimbabwean authorities confirmed the crash and said investigations into what caused the accident were continuing.

ProfAmor [email protected]