Two people were killed when a microlight airplane caught fire in the Mazowe area.
In a statement, Transport and Infrastructural Development
Minister Felix Mhona said the aircraft departed Komani Airfield and was
scheduled to land back at the same airfield after a training sort/flight.
“Antony Mitchell previously owned aircraft Z-BEE which he
had sold to Allister Stobart. Allister Stobart was in the Republic of South
Africa at the time of the accident. Allister Stobart requested the previous
owner, Antony Mitchell to conduct a type conversion training on Garry Bissette.
“Garry Bissette was an instructor on Zimbabwe Microlight
Association Non-Type certificated aircraft and several other Non-Type
Certificated aircraft. He held a Zimbabwe recreational aircraft pilot licence
and his total flying time was estimated to over 1500hrs. Further, some aviation
qualifications he held included a full radio licence issued by the Civil
Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. He was not a holder of any flying licence or
rating issued/ granted by any Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority,” he said.
The minister said on the day of the accident, Garry
Bissette was receiving type conversion training on Z-BEE, a Sting S14 aircraft,
while Antony Mitchell was the training pilot/ instructor.
“The aircraft engine caught fire while the aircraft was
flying over Esbank Farm, in Mazowe farming and mining area. The fire swept
across the aircraft cabin and other sections of the aircraft.
“The accident occurred 4 November 2021, around 1720hrs
Zimbabwe time. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed and the aircraft
completely destroyed in the accident.
“Plexiglass with ballistic chute circle was found off to
the left of the flight path and about 100m before the first point of aircraft
first impact with the ground. While the chute, meant to carry the aircraft when
deployed in an emergency, was found 50m from the first point of impact, with
its suspension tethers burnt through by the fire,” Minister Mhona said.
Investigations by the Air Accidents and Incidents
Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural
Development, are in progress. Herald
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