A seven-seater helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Kromvlei, Alberton, on Tuesday, February 3, leaving a flight instructor with minor injuries while the pilot escaped unharmed.

City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi said emergency services were alerted shortly before 14:00.

“The City of Ekurhuleni Life-threatening Emergency Call Centre logged the call at 13:59 and dispatched resources swiftly for intervention,” Ntladi said.

He added that two fire engines from different City of Ekurhuleni fire stations, supported by 11 firefighters, responded to the scene.

“On arrival, a Bell 230 twin-engine helicopter was found lying on its side,” said Ntladi.

According to Ntladi, the flight instructor sustained shoulder injuries and minor upper-body lacerations, while the pilot was not injured.

“The injured was transported by private ambulance to a nearby hospital for definitive medical treatment,” he said.

Ntladi confirmed that the helicopter was involved in a training exercise at the time of the crash.

“As per information received on site, the two were busy with training prior to the crash,” he said.

He further stated that aviation authorities were called to the scene to conduct a full investigation into the incident.

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