Post by Paul Hayes

Zambian Vice President in helicopter crash A Zambian Air Force Sikorsky S-76 C++ (AF717) crashed shortly after take-off from an open, bare earth field at Nakonde, Muchinga Province, Zambia on July 9, 2026, coming to rest on its side amongst trees. Video footage shows dust being blown up from the field as the helicopter was preparing for take-off. It subsequently lifted off and climbed vertically above the dust cloud before translating to forward flight. However, after travelling only a short distance it appeared to yaw to the right. Height was lost and it descended into the trees at the edge of the field. There were no reported injuries among the eight on board, which included Zambian Vice-President, W.K. Mutale Nalumango. The accident happened in daylight and in VMC. The helicopter was carrying the Vice President during an official visit and election campaign activities in Muchinga Province.