The Kishugu Aviation pilot involved in a recent helicopter crash, identified as Mike Bothma from Greyton in the Western Cape, has been discharged from hospital.

Bothma was operating an aerial firefighting helicopter on the evening of Wednesday, March 25, when it was involved in a serious accident while battling a blaze in Table Mountain National Park.

Kishugu Aviation spokesperson Linton Rensburg confirmed that the pilot managed to self-extricate from the wreckage and was transported to a nearby hospital for a full medical evaluation.

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“He is now safely at home. We sincerely thank everyone for their concern and support; it is deeply appreciated. The investigation is ongoing, and further information will be made available once it has been concluded,” Rensburg said.

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He noted that the Kishugu fleet is currently active in the Western Cape for the high-risk summer fire season before its annual transition to the northern provinces for the winter.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), noted the incident with concern but clarified that the helicopter was on a mission unrelated to the department when it crushed.

DFFE has a five-year contract with the Kishugu Joint Venture, of which Kishugu Aviation forms part, to implement the Department’s Working on Fire programme, trading as Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd.

Aerial support under this programme is provided to support firefighting operations on DFFE-managed land and, where required, to assist with community fire incidents.

“Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was undertaking private work when it was involved in an incident during wildfire suppression operations in the Hout Bay area. The department confirms that, at the time of the incident, the helicopter was deployed under a separate contractual arrangement and was not working on behalf of the DFFE. The aircraft was operating under a contract with South African National Parks (SANParks),” the department said

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw confirmed that the helicopter was operating at a fire site on the slopes of Hout Bay, but was unable to offer additional comment on the matter.