The aircraft had departed from the Wonderboom Airport around 6am on Friday en route to Middelburg, Rekord North reported.
“It is with great sadness we confirm the wreck of the missing aircraft has been found near Graskop by members of the Lowveld Aeroclub on Sunday afternoon after an extensive two-day search and rescue operation involving a variety of professionals and volunteers,” the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) chief, Santjie White said.
White added the pilot, identified as Jannes Scheepers, died in the crash.
A massive search party was launched by ARCC, aviation professionals and police on Saturday morning. White said the search moved from Middelburg routes to the Graskop area on Sunday after new information from the pilots planning laptop and cellphone information.
“They participated in aerial search, ground-based search and intelligence gathering. The ARCC would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to the loved ones, family and friends of the pilot,” added White.
Last month the Civil Aviation Authority launched a probe into a helicopter crash which killed two people in Senwabarwana, Limpopo.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Ronel Otto said the private helicopter which belongs to Henli Air, was undergoing the installation of antennas in the Blouberg Mountains and experienced technical difficulties before it crashed into a pole.
– Caxton News Service
