Zimbabwe’s Aging Military Aircraft Fleet Raises Concerns After Recent Crush

Senior Reporter

HARARE- Zimbabwe’s military aircraft fleet has faced several incidents in recent years, raising concerns about the country’s aviation safety and the reliability of its aging planes.

A recent incident involving a Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer crash near Gweru’s Guinea Fowl area resulted in the tragic death of Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) confirmed that the pilot was undergoing training when the accident occurred. A Board of Inquiry has been initiated to investigate the cause of the crash.

This incident is not isolated. Zimbabwe’s air force has experienced several crashes involving its SF-260 trainer aircraft. In 2014, an SF-260 crashed during a routine training mission, while in 2020, another SF-260 crashed in Somabhula, killing both pilots on board. A similar incident occurred in February 2023 near Gweru, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.

The Air Force of Zimbabwe is mourning the loss of one of its senior pilots, Retired Squadron Leader Ritswanetsi Vuyo Ncube, who tragically died when his Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft crashed in the Wazheri area of Gweru. Ncube, a veteran of the Democratic Republic of Congo war, had rejoined the Air Force as a trainer after serving as an instructor pilot with the South African Air Force from 2006 to 2009.

The aircraft, a Chinese-built supersonic interceptor, is one of 12 delivered to Zimbabwe in 1986, raising concerns about the country’s aging military aircraft fleet. The plane took off from the Josiah Tungamirai Air Force base on a routine sortie when it went down. Witnesses described seeing smoke pluming from among trees and rushing to the scene, only to find the wreckage of the aircraft.

According to reports, Ncube’s final communication with ground control was a distress call, shouting “fire” and “aircraft uncontrollable” before the plane crashed. His body was eventually located a short distance from the aircraft wreckage.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda expressed his condolences, saying they learned of Ncube’s death “with heavy hearts.” The Air Force is expected to release a statement on the incident.

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s military in maintaining its aging fleet. The Air Force has been operating some of its aircraft for decades, raising questions about safety and reliability.

The Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft that crashed is just one example of the aging fleet that Zimbabwe’s Air Force operates. With many of its aircraft nearing the end of their service life, the Air Force faces significant challenges in maintaining their safety and effectiveness.

The incident serves as a reminder of the need for Zimbabwe’s military to invest in modernizing its fleet to ensure the safety of its pilots and the success of its operations. As the investigation into the crash continues, the Air Force will likely face scrutiny over its maintenance and safety protocols.

In the meantime, the loss of Retired Squadron Leader Ritswanetsi Vuyo Ncube is a tragic reminder of the risks that military pilots face, and the importance of prioritizing their safety and well-being.