The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have confirmed the tragic death of Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza, who died in an aircraft crash during a training mission near the Guinea Fowl area in Gweru.
The accident involved a Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer, which was extensively damaged upon impact with the ground.
The Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General PV Sibanda, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young and talented pilot.
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.”
Air Lieutenant Tambudza, who was undergoing a jet flying conversion training course at Number 2 Squadron, Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru, had shown immense potential and was in the final phases of training on the K-8 jet at the time of the incident.
The crash occurred approximately 5 kilometres east of Guinea Fowl. No civilian casualties or property damage were reported. The ZDF has initiated a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.
The Karakorum-8 (K-8) is a single-engine advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft jointly developed by China’s Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
It was designed to replace the aging Cessna T-37 Tweet jet trainers in service with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The aircraft is in service with multiple air forces worldwide, including those of China, Egypt, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka. Its affordability, ease of maintenance, and adaptability for training and light combat roles have contributed to its widespread adoption.
The Zimbabwean Armed Forces have been struggling with old and obsolete platforms for several years. Over the years, the Zimbabwe air force has lost a number of its aircraft.
In September 2014, the AFZ lost an SF-260 in a fatal crash during a routine training mission.
Similarly, in 2020, a SIAI-Marchetti SF260 trainer aircraft belonging to the Air Force of Zimbabwe crashed in a compound in Somabhula, about 24 km south-west of Gweru, near the central city of Gweru, killing both pilots.
Flight instructor Squadron Leader Mkhululi Dube and trainee pilot Silungile Sweswe died on impact in the crash which occurred on on 24 November, says AFZ Commander Air Marshall Elson Moyo.
Also, in February 2023, it lost another SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in the Mlezu College general area, near Gweru, killing two pilots onboard today. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it hit a power line and crashed.
To prevent further crashes, Zimbabwe requested for technical assistance from the Nigerian Air Force. This request comes as a result of Zimbabwe’s need to replace its aging fleet of aircraft and to expand its operational capacity to meet the increasing demands of the nation.
The Commander, Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Air Marshal Elson Moyo made this known during a week-long visit to Nigeria in March 2023.