TWO Airforce of Zimbabwe (AFZ) pilots cheated death yesterday when their trainer fighter plane crashed a few kilometres outside Thornhill Airbase in Gweru.
BY STAFF REPORTER
According to AFZ officials, the two successfully ejected and came out unscathed. “A board of inquiry will be set up to investigate the possible cause of the crash in line with aviation and military protocol,” the officials said in a statement.
According to witnesses, the jet, which was rehearsing for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) official opening, burst into flames when it crashed. The ZITF, which will be held from April 28 to May 2, will be officially opened by the new Zambian leader, Edgar Lungu.
Last September, two pilots died on the spot after another AFZ plane crashed in Mt Hampden in Harare. The pilots were rehearsing for an international air show at Charles Prince Airport.