A medical rescue mission on Africa’s highest peak ended in tragedy on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, when a helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro, killing all five people on board. The incident has sent shockwaves through the global mountaineering community, as such accidents are rare on the mountain.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft, an Airbus H125 operated by the local rescue company KilimedAir (also referred to as Kilimanjaro Aviation), went down at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time.
• Location: The crash occurred in the Glacier Valley area, situated between Barafu Camp and the Kibo Summit.
• Altitude: The impact site is located at an elevation of approximately 4,700 meters (15,420 feet).
• The Mission: The helicopter was performing a medical evacuation to assist two climbers who were experiencing health difficulties during their ascent. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose control and plummeted shortly after departing from a high-altitude helipad.
The Victims
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the five individuals lost in the crash:
• Constantine Mazonde: The pilot, a veteran former officer of the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
• David Plos (30) & Anna Plosova (30): Two tourists from the Czech Republic who were being evacuated.
• Jimmy Daniel: A Tanzanian medical doctor attending to the patients.
• Innocent Mbaga: A local Tanzanian mountain guide.
Investigation Underway
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the disaster. While the specific cause remains unknown, experts point to the “thin air” and rapidly shifting weather patterns at 15,000 feet as inherent risks for aerial rescues.
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Commissioner Musa Kuji confirmed that investigators are currently on-site at Barafu Camp to examine the wreckage. This marks the deadliest air incident on the mountain since 2008.
“The aircraft was on a mission of mercy. To lose those dedicated to saving lives, along with those they sought to help, is a profound tragedy for our nation and the tourism industry.” — Summary of statements from local authorities.