Wicknell Chivayo: Pilot Reveals What Happened Before Fatal Helicopter Crash

The pilot of the second helicopter that was flying with Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has spoken about the events that happened shortly before the fatal crash.

Captain Ronny said the two helicopters left Gandami village in Chivhu and were headed to Marondera.

According to Ronny, the helicopters were initially flying together, with his aircraft on the left and Chivayo's helicopter on the right.

The situation changed when a large cloud suddenly appeared from the eastern side and covered his helicopter.

Ronny said he contacted Captain Soda, who was flying Chivayo's helicopter, to alert him about the weather conditions.

However, Soda reportedly told him that his side was clear and that he could still see the horizon.

Ronny then turned his helicopter around and managed to get out of the cloud. He later suggested that they use a different route through Bromley before continuing to Marondera.

Last communication with Chivayo's helicopter

As the two helicopters continued separately, Ronny said he later contacted Soda while he was near Mahusekwa.

Soda informed him that Chivayo's helicopter was still inside the cloud but was moving towards his location.

When Ronny reached Bromley, about 10 minutes from Marondera, he contacted Soda again and asked him to confirm his position.

Soda's response was the last communication Ronny received from the helicopter.

He reportedly said he was still inside the cloud and asked Ronny to stand by.

Ronny said he did not want to distract his colleague, so he continued to Marondera.

When he arrived, the team tried calling the phones of the people who were travelling in Chivayo's helicopter, but none of the calls went through.

They initially believed the helicopter could have landed in an area without network coverage.

The team later flew back to Harare and planned to drive to the area to begin searching.

It was while they were on the road that they received news that the helicopter had crashed.

Chivayo, his wife Lulu and three other people died in the crash.

Ronny's account has provided details about the final moments before communication with the helicopter was lost.

Chivayo and his wife are expected to be buried on October 8. Family spokesperson Herbert said there will be no public viewing of the bodies.