The Marksmen aerobatic team confirmed the death of pilot Mark Sampson during a performance at Harare's Charles Prince airfield, where he was flying a solo display on Tuesday evening.
A statement from the team read: "It is with great sadness and profound sense of loss that today, the Marksmen aerobatic team can confirm that Mark Sampson, outstanding aviator, honoured team member, trusted number-4 and loyal friend died in a flying incident in Harare, Zimbabwe." The incident occurred just days after the team's performance at Nairobi's Uhuru Gardens during a Kenya Defence Forces event co-hosted by the Aero Club of East Africa.
Zimbabwean media reported the crash happened during a sunset aerobatics display for the Mashonaland Flying Club. A local report described: "The plane is seen spinning several times and getting out of control when the pilot levels up and tries to make a climb. It crashed nose-first in front of horrified aviation enthusiasts who initially assumed it was all part of the show." The team was en route to Cape Town when the tragedy occurred.
The Marksmen expressed devastation, stating: "We are currently working with Zimbabwean authorities." The pilot's death marks a somber end to a tour that had captivated audiences across East Africa.
