By A Correspondent | Masvingo, Zimbabwe – A shocking revelation has emerged following the crash of a presidential helicopter in Masvingo on Sunday, exposing a decade-long history of incidents associated with the aircraft model. The helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, crashed disastrously just after lifting off at Masvingo Airport en route to pick up President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Bikita, according to insider sources.

The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, a model widely used for both civilian and military transport, has a notorious track record for safety concerns that have plagued it for over ten years. The helicopter’s history of dangerous incidents has raised serious questions about its continued use in high-profile and sensitive operations.

A Troubled Past: Accidents Involving the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma

The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma has been involved in several significant accidents and incidents, highlighting its controversial safety record:

• CHC Scotia Flight 23R (August 23, 2013): One of the most infamous incidents involving the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma occurred in 2013 when a helicopter operating as CHC Scotia Flight 23R crashed into the sea while traveling from the Borgsten Dolphin drilling rig to the Shetland Islands. Tragically, four passengers lost their lives, while 12 others and two crew members sustained injuries. The UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch later concluded that the crash was primarily caused by pilot error, but concerns were raised over the aircraft’s operational safety and design flaws.
• Rotor Blade Damage Incident: In another reported case, the rotor blades of a Eurocopter AS332L Super Puma sustained substantial damage. Although the damage did not pose an immediate danger, it reduced the stiffness of the blades, increasing their susceptibility to “blade sail” upon shutdown—a condition that could lead to catastrophic failure if left unaddressed.
• Main Rotor Gearbox Failure: A separate incident saw the Main Rotor Gearbox of an Aerospatiale (Eurocopter) AS332 L2 Super Puma fail due to a fatigue fracture of a second-stage planet gear. The failure highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the helicopter’s gearbox design, which remains a critical concern for aviation safety experts.

A Dangerous Choice for Presidential Travel

Given the Super Puma’s troubled safety record, questions are now being raised about why such a model was chosen for use in transporting Zimbabwe’s highest officials. The helicopter crash in Masvingo comes amid rising concerns about the safety protocols governing presidential travel. The choice of the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, despite its known history of accidents, has sparked debate among aviation experts and government critics alike.

“The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma has a well-documented history of mechanical issues and operational risks,” said one aviation safety expert familiar with the aircraft. “The fact that it was used for presidential transport is concerning, to say the least, especially when alternative, more reliable options could have been considered.”

Investigations Underway Amidst Growing Concern

The Zimbabwean Air Force and relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, but the incident has already triggered public outcry. Calls for a thorough review of all presidential transport protocols and an immediate halt to the use of the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma for high-level government travel are growing louder.

As details emerge, the crash appears not only as a singular tragic event but also as a symptom of deeper issues concerning the safety standards of Zimbabwe’s official transport services. With the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma’s troubled history now in the spotlight, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that come with neglecting a decade-long record of mechanical failures and operational risks.

For President Mnangagwa, the helicopter crash on Sunday may be more than an unfortunate accident; it might be a critical juncture that forces a reevaluation of decisions at the highest level, decisions that could carry profound consequences for the safety and security of the nation’s leaders.