The accident happened on Saturday (27/6), and the scene has been formally handed over to the police and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation.

Investigators are expected to examine possible mechanical failure, weather conditions, and operational factors as part of the standard aviation accident investigation process.

The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirmed its early warning network was activated after reports of the aircraft going down were received.

Gauteng medical services, ER24, and Netcare911 were immediately dispatched to the scene, with aeromedical support from Netcare911 and Rocket HEMS placed on standby to assist if required.

“Upon arrival, ER24 personnel found both occupants on board had sustained fatal injuries as a result of the accident,” said ARCC operations chief Gregory Critchley.

“The ARCC extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the aviators involved in this tragic accident.

“We also wish to acknowledge the swift and professional response of the following services: SAPS Airwing, SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, SAPS Fochville, Gauteng EMS, ER24, Netcare911, Rocket HEMS, and SARZA.”

This latest crash comes amid ongoing concerns about aviation safety in South Africa. In January, police confirmed an inquest docket had been opened following a separate light aircraft crash in Ferreira, south of Bloemfontein, which claimed the life of a pilot, 45.

The plane crashed on one of the Ferreira smallholdings outside Bloemfontein. Air show commentator Brian Emmenis told OFM News the pilot was a display pilot at air shows. “It's tragic. He was en route from Cape Town to Johannesburg in a Piper Tri Pacer.”

Upon arrival, responders found EMS already attending to the pilot, who had been trapped in the wreckage. Despite efforts to assist, the pilot, believed to have been the sole occupant, was declared dead at the scene.

Authorities began efforts to locate and notify the next of kin, while aviation investigators were brought in to determine the technical cause of the crash.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority reported in December last year that 43 aviation incidents were recorded nationally during the financial year under review. Of these, twelve crashes resulted in 17 fatalities, underscoring persistent risks within the country’s general aviation sector.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.