CRASH PLANE OWNER: Veep’s Chopper Owner Revealed
The helicopter that crashed in Nakonde with Vice-President W.K. Mutale Nalumango on board is owned by the Flying Doctor Service Zambia (FDS), a source has disclosed.
A source has also indicated that preliminary assessments suggest the helicopter may have developed a mechanical fault, which could be inferred from the speed of the tail rotor.
According to the source, although the helicopter belongs to the Flying Doctor Service Zambia, it is operated by the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
The insider further disclosed that the ZAF provides the FDS with both aircraft and pilots.
Meanwhile, another source with knowledge on aviation has observed that the tail rotor did not appear to be receiving adequate power or rotating at the required speed.
The expert explained that if the tail rotor is not functioning properly, it cannot effectively counteract the torque generated by the main rotor. This can cause the helicopter to spin uncontrollably and lose stability.
A report is yet to be availed on the cause of the accident which crashed less than two minutes after take off.