Gweru, Zimbabwe – A tragic aviation accident has claimed the life of a young Zimbabwean Air Force pilot, Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza, after his Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer crashed near Guinea Fowl in Gweru. The crash occurred during a solo consolidation general handling navigation training exercise.
According to a press statement from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), the news of Tambudza’s passing has been met with deep sorrow within the military ranks. Commander of the ZDF, General PV Sibanda, expressed his condolences to the late officer’s family, friends, and colleagues, describing him as a talented and promising pilot.
Air Lieutenant Tambudza had demonstrated great potential, which earned him a place in the jet flying conversion training program at Number 2 Squadron, Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru. He was in the final stages of his training on the K-8 jet at the time of the accident.
The incident took place approximately five kilometers east of Guinea Fowl. Upon impact, the aircraft was extensively damaged. Fortunately, there were no civilian casualties or damage to property on the ground. The Air Force of Zimbabwe has since established a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Funeral arrangements for Air Lieutenant Tambudza will be announced in due course.
