Mnangagwa Survives Death by a Whisker as Helicopter Crashes for the Second Time in Three Years

By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | Masvingo, Zimbabwe — President Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly escaped death on Sunday in what has become the second helicopter crash involving his transport in three years. As Mnangagwa was finalizing his “coronation” and birthday celebrations at the historic Great Zimbabwe Monuments, the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma designated to transport him back to the capital city crashed shortly after takeoff from Masvingo Airport. The aircraft was en route to pick him up in Bikita, where he awaited the return journey, according to multiple insider sources.

Reports confirm that none of Mnangagwa’s deputies were on board the chopper at the time of the crash. However, the incident has renewed scrutiny over the safety of the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, an aircraft model notorious for its poor safety record over the last decade.

Mnangagwa’s Close Call with Disaster

Mnangagwa’s survival is being described as a narrow escape from disaster, with some calling it a “miraculous” evasion of death. This is not the first time the President has faced such danger; in August 2021, another helicopter transporting him was forced into an emergency landing near Norton while returning from his farm in Kwekwe. The string of helicopter incidents involving the Zimbabwean leader raises serious concerns over the safety protocols surrounding presidential travel.

Immediately after the crash, government spokesperson Nick Mnangagwa attempted to downplay the event on social media, referring to it as a “mere incident” involving an Air Force helicopter. However, footage provided by ZimEye from the crash site paints a far grimmer picture. The helicopter was seen in a devastating state, a wreck that could have easily resulted in severe injuries or fatalities had there been more passengers on board.

A Helicopter Model with a Troubled History

The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma has a long and troubling history of mechanical failures and accidents. Widely used for both civilian and military purposes, the model has been plagued by safety concerns for over ten years. Sunday’s crash has only added to its notorious reputation.

Notable Incidents Involving the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma:

• CHC Scotia Flight 23R (August 23, 2013): One of the most tragic incidents involving this helicopter model occurred in 2013 when CHC Scotia Flight 23R, a Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, crashed into the sea while en route from the Borgsten Dolphin drilling rig to the Shetland Islands. The accident claimed the lives of four passengers, with 12 others and two crew members injured. The UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch attributed the crash primarily to pilot error, but it also raised concerns about the aircraft’s operational safety and design flaws.
• Rotor Blade Damage Incident: In another case, the rotor blades of a Eurocopter AS332L Super Puma suffered significant damage, reducing the stiffness of the blades and increasing their susceptibility to “blade sail” during shutdown. While the damage was not immediately dangerous, it underscored serious potential risks that could lead to catastrophic failure if left unaddressed.
• Main Rotor Gearbox Failure: A separate incident involved the failure of the Main Rotor Gearbox in an Aerospatiale (Eurocopter) AS332 L2 Super Puma due to a fatigue fracture of a second-stage planet gear. This incident highlighted critical vulnerabilities in the helicopter’s gearbox design, a concern that continues to trouble aviation safety experts.

Why Use a Helicopter Model with a Checkered Safety Record?

Given the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma’s long-standing safety issues, the choice to use it for transporting Zimbabwe’s highest official raises significant questions. Aviation experts and government critics are now debating the rationale behind selecting such a model for high-profile operations, especially in light of its accident history.

“The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma has a well-documented history of mechanical issues and operational risks,” said an aviation safety expert familiar with the aircraft. “It is highly concerning that such a model was used for presidential transport, particularly when there are more reliable alternatives available.”

Investigations and Rising Concerns

The Zimbabwean Air Force and relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, but the incident has already provoked a public outcry. There are growing calls for a comprehensive review of presidential transport protocols and an immediate suspension of the use of the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma for government travel.

While investigations are underway, the crash is viewed not merely as an isolated incident but as part of a larger pattern of safety failures in Zimbabwe’s official transport services. The recent events put the spotlight on Mnangagwa’s precarious brush with death and the risks he continues to face while relying on a helicopter model with such a problematic safety record.

A Critical Moment for Zimbabwe’s Leadership

For President Mnangagwa, the Sunday helicopter crash marks a pivotal moment. This is the second time in three years that his helicopter transport has experienced a potentially deadly incident. The series of accidents underscores an urgent need to reassess the safety measures in place for the nation’s top officials.

As Zimbabwe grapples with these new developments, one question looms larger than ever: Can the President continue to tempt fate with an aircraft known for its dangerous track record, or is it time for a radical change in how the nation safeguards its leaders? The answer could have profound implications for the future of Zimbabwe’s governance and the safety of its highest office.- ZimEye