Louis van Staden, a friend of the pilot who died when his helicopter crashed into the Vaal Dam shortly after 6pm on Friday, says he ignored a call from a mutual friend that night because he had a hunch it was bad news.

As a result, Van Staden only learnt about Essie Esterhuysen’s death early the next day.

Esterhuysen had taken his sister, Dané Esterhuysen – who was visiting from Wilderness on the Garden Route – for a joyride in his Robinson R44 helicopter. Both died when the helicopter plunged into the dam, 200 metres from the bank.

Essie’s two beagles, Pablo and Abigail, also died in the accident.  

Abbi and Pablo. Photos: Facebook

Social media commentary

Family friends Hennie and Jenny Hamman, who were at the Vaal Marina awaiting the Esterhuysens’ arrival, took a video of the incident, showing how the helicopter plummeted into the dam.

A photo taken shortly before the accident. Photo: Facebook

Shortly before the accident, while awaiting their friends’ arrival, the Hammans had taken a photo of the beautiful sunset and posted it on Facebook. Van Staden later commented: ‘Die mooi voor die hartseer’ (the beauty before the heartache).

“Essie flew in with heli and fell into the Vaal Dam, 100 metres from landing. Him and his sister passed away,” Hennie wrote.

Maria Doucakis wrote: “A dreadful tragedy! My condolences to his family and all his friends that he generously entertained at the dam.”

Reverend Johan Conradie, a family friend and pastor, also expressed his shock and condolences.

Essie’s wife, Mariana, commented on her Facebook page: “Oh, this is so sad.”

A beloved friend

Van Staden says he met Essie in 2009 when he enquired about flight safaris he offered. They subsequently became close friends.

Mr Essie Esterhuysen.

Essie had taken several well-known businesspeople on flight safaris throughout Africa and, according to Van Staden, was a very skilled pilot who offered free fun flights in Johannesburg to people with special needs.

“Essie always flew over the house [at Vaal Marina] to announce his arrival and then took a turn over the dam as this caused less inconvenience to the neighbours. He would then land on the grass,” says Van Staden.

The pilot had recently undergone an operation for prostate problems. Friday was his first day back at work and also the first day that he was able to fly again after the surgery, says Van Staden.

He was an angel among men, says Van Staden.

WARNING: Graphic video footage by friend shows moment helicopter crashes into Vaal Dam