Two training aircraft were involved in separate crashes in Gauteng within less than 24 hours, with both incidents now under investigation by the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID).

The crashes involved a helicopter in Alberton on Tuesday, February 3, followed by a fixed-wing aircraft in Midrand on Wednesday morning, February 4.

Helicopter crashes during training exercise

As previously reported by the Alberton Record, a training helicopter crashed in Kromvlei, Alberton, on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on February 4, the AIID confirmed the aircraft involved was a Bell 230 helicopter that crashed while conducting a training flight.

According to preliminary information, the crew, comprising a flight instructor and a student pilot, was performing engine-out emergency exercises in the airport’s general flying area.

During one of the simulated engine failure exercises, the crew failed to recover engine power in time. Control was lost and the helicopter impacted the ground heavily before rolling over.

The helicopter was substantially damaged. One crew member sustained minor injuries, while the other suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

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AIID investigators attended the scene to gather evidence. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

Fixed-wing aircraft crashes in Midrand the following morning

Less than a day later, the AIID confirmed another training-related accident involving a Piper Cherokee 140 fixed-wing aircraft (registration ZS-XPR).

The aircraft departed from Grand Central Airport on a training flight when it crashed near Carstenhof Hospital in Glen Austin, Midrand, this morning.

On board were a flight instructor and a student pilot. Both sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

AIID is conducting an on-site investigation, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.

Previous aviation incident in Alberton last year

The latest crashes follow a separate aviation incident reported in October last year, when a light aircraft made an emergency landing and crashed into the tuckshop at Hoërskool Alberton.

At the time, the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that no learners were injured and that school activities were not disrupted.

Authorities have urged the public to await the outcome of the official investigations before drawing conclusions.

ALSO READ: Emergency landing sees light aircraft crash into Hoërskool Alberton tuckshop