A tragic accident has claimed the life of an Air Force of Zimbabwe student pilot during a training mission near Gweru. Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza was killed when his Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer crashed approximately 5 kilometres east of Guinea Fowl. The accident occurred on Feb. 6th.
Danie van der Merwe from Cape Town, South Africa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Air Lieutenant Tambudza was undergoing a jet flying conversion training course at No. 2 Squadron, Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, also in Gweru. At the time of the crash, he was in the final phases of training on the K-8 jet. The aircraft was extensively damaged upon impact with the ground.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) confirmed the death of the young pilot. ZDF Commander, General PV Sibanda, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. In a statement, he said, “The news of the death of Air Lieutenant Tambudza has been received with heavy hearts, and all officers and members are in mourning over the sad loss of a talented pilot”. General Sibanda extended heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of the departed officer.
The ZDF has initiated a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. There were no civilian casualties or property damage reported. Arrangements for Air Lieutenant Tambudza’s funeral parade and burial will be announced in due course.
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