“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” — Brodi Ashton

On 5 August 2024 at approximately 12:45 PM, Adam Hartnack was taxiing his aircraft towards the Zuva fuel pumps at Charles Prince Airport for refueling when he heard the pilot of the Sling 2 aircraft request Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance for a low-level flight to Kariba.

Whilst refueling, Adam observed the Sling 2 aircraft depart from Runway 24. The aircraft became airborne within a relatively short distance and climbed upwind to approximately 500 feet above ground level before turning west.

Shortly thereafter, the pilot initiated a sharp turn back toward the airfield, making a series of steep left and right turns whilst simultaneously losing altitude.

By this stage, the aircraft was close enough for Adam to hear that the engine did not appear to be producing full power, although there was no audible misfire and no visible smoke from the aircraft.

It appeared that the pilot was attempting to return to Runway 24 in order to conduct an emergency landing.

During this attempt, whilst flying at a very low airspeed and turning right to align with the runway, the aircraft stalled and descended vertically with wings level from an estimated height of approximately 50 feet.

The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 20 meters to the left of the threshold of Runway 24.

Immediate Emergency Response

From his position near the fuel pumps, Adam observed that the pilot remained conscious and was moving his arms following the impact.

He immediately ran toward the wreckage to assist.

Upon reaching the aircraft, fuel was visible both on the ground and inside the cockpit area. Due to the immediate risk of fire, the first action taken by Adam was to switch off the aircraft master switch before assisting the pilot.

Emergency services responded rapidly, with the airport emergency siren sounding almost immediately following the accident.

Together with one of the emergency response attendants, Adam assisted in removing the pilot from the aircraft whilst he was still conscious.

Shortly afterwards, the airport manager and additional airport personnel arrived on scene to assist emergency operations.

Aircraft Damage and Outcome

The Sling 2 aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact.

Fortunately, no injuries or damage occurred to persons or property on the ground.

This witness account reflects the direct observations made by Adam during the Charles Prince Airport aircraft accident on 5 August 2024.

Commitment to Aviation Safety

At Adamair, aviation safety, professionalism, operational awareness, and responsible aviation practices remain at the center of all operations.

Adam continues to support transparency, aviation professionalism, and safety awareness within Zimbabwe’s aviation industry.