A helicopter crash on a farm outside Patensie in the Eastern Cape has claimed the life of a female pilot, police have confirmed.

In a statement, police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said that police in Humansdorp have opened an inquest after a 43-year-old crop duster pilot died.

“It is alleged that [she] died instantly when the Robinson helicopter [she was flying] crashed on the Roodegrond farm after hitting power lines.”

Nkholi added that the incident occurred at around 07:45, when the helicopter was spraying crops.

The pilot’s identity is being withheld until the formal identification process is concluded.

Exec Ops said in a Facebook post that it, Relay EMS and other emergency services responded to the incident.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and ongoing investigations, no further details can be shared at this stage. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” the post concluded.

Caxton Network News contacted South African Civil Aviation Authority communications manager Sisa Majola, who said more information will be shared once available.

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