Buffalo Range - Buffalo Range

On January 7, 1977 at 12:00 AM, Buffalo Range - Buffalo Range experienced a crash involving Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Air Force of Zimbabwe, with the event recorded near Buffalo Range Masvingo.

The flight was categorized as skydiving / paratroopers and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

8 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 5 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 37.5%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 5, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

The aircraft was engaged in a paratroopers mission in the region of Buffalo Range. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing at low height, the twin engine airplane struck power cables, stalled and crashed. Both pilots and a paratrooper were killed while five other occupants were injured. Those killed were: - S/L Peter Arthur Barnett, - F/Lt David Edwin Mallett, - Cpl Anthony Bradley.

Aircraft reference details include registration R7034, MSN 16662/33410, year of manufacture 1945.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately -20.1392°, 31.2864°.