Zambian Air Force S-76 Crash
Zambian Air Force
| Date | July 9, 2026 |
| Country | Zambia |
| Force | Zambian Air Force |
| Location |
Nakonde, Zambia
-9.33, 32.75 |
| Aircraft | S-76 (S-76 Spirit) |
| Change | -1 active |
Description
A Zambia Air Force Sikorsky S-76C++ VIP helicopter crashed shortly after take-off at Nakonde, Muchinga Province, on July 9, 2026, while carrying the Vice-President on an official visit to the region. Witnesses reported the helicopter lost altitude moments after departing, striking two mango trees before coming down on open ground roughly 50 metres away. The impact damaged the rotor blades and the left rear fuselage, where the VIP seat is located. All nine occupants, including the Vice-President, escaped without serious injury; she was taken to a nearby medical facility for a precautionary check and discharged. An investigation has been opened into the cause.
