Student pilot killed in Pretoria aircraft crash

Pretoria North police spokesperson Lieutenant Rebecca Phatlhane said the accident occurred at about 8.30am on Sunday when the pilot was flying alone before crashing on plot 119, on the R513,Rekord North reported.

“The unidentified pilot was declared dead on the scene. The student’s instructor would notify the family about the accident,” added Phatlhane.

She said the cause of the accident was unclear and police investigations were underway.

Last month a 42-year-old pilot was killed after his microlight aircraft crashed shortly after take-off in Springs Airfield on the East Rand.

It is believed the unidentified pilot took to the sky at about 5.15pm to pay tribute to a friend. The friend is also reported to have died in an accident in a similar aircraft.

An investigator from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Aubrey Nkoana, said a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the crash. Rudi Beukes from emergency services said when he arrived at the scene, the pilot had already been declared dead.

“Although there was nothing more they could do, emergency services were on standby in case a fire started – it is believed the microlight’s engine was still warm and there was fuel leaking,” added Beukes.

“A banner bearing the friend’s name and the words ‘RIP’ was found at the scene of the crash. A report on the findings will help prevent similar accidents from taking place,” added Nkoana.

– Caxton News Service