CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU – An Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot instructor and a trainee pilot was killed on Friday after their aircraft hit a power line and crashed.
The Air Force pilots, Group Captain Benson Munyanduki and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga died in an SF 260 trainer aircraft near Mlezu College in Gweru.
It is the second such incident involving the SF 260 after another accident in November 2020 killed trainee pilot Silungile Sweswe and instructor Mkhululi Dellen Dube.
Wind Commander Donovan Muroyiwa said, “the aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it hit a power line and crashed.”
Air Force commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo added: “We have learnt, with heavy hearts, of the passing on of two of our pilots after a training accident. Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased pilots.”
He said the two pilots “were on duty and playing their part to ensure that the Air Force of Zimbabwe fulfills its mandate to defend Zimbabwe’s airspace and territorial integrity.”
Meanwhile, the Air Force of Zimbabwe is this morning holding a funeral parade to honour the two at Josiah Tungamirai airbase.
Group Captain Munyanduki will be laid to rest at Destiny Memorial Park in Gweru while Wing Commander Manyenga will be buried in Gutu on Wednesday.
