A Kishugu Aviation firefighting helicopter was involved in a serious crash early yesterday evening while battling a blaze in Table Mountain National Park above Hout Bay in the Western Cape.

Lowvelder reports that, according to Kishugu Aviation spokesperson Linton Rensburg, the helicopter was engaged in firefighting operations. The pilot was the sole occupant.

“The pilot managed to self-extricate from the wreckage. He was immediately attended to by on-site paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital for a full medical evaluation,” Rensburg says.

According to a Smile FM Facebook post from earlier today, the pilot has been discharged from hospital and is home.

Rensburg explains that the aircraft was part of the specialised Kishugu Aviation fleet that operates in the Western Cape during the high-risk summer fire season and transitions to the northern provinces for the winter fire season.

Investigation underway

Kishugu Aviation has confirmed that it will be working closely with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to determine the factors that led to the crash.

SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola confirms its Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) has been formally notified of the crash.

“An investigation team has been dispatched to the site to begin the process of evidence collection and to secure the wreckage. SACAA urges members of the public and the aviation community to avoid speculation until the AIID has had the opportunity to conclude its initial findings,” Majola says.

A statement by SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says the helicopter was battling a blaze on the slopes of Hout Bay.

“The incident prompted an emergency medical response and the activation of Wilderness Search and Rescue,” he adds. Louw says while SANParks cannot offer additional comment as investigations are underway, they will monitor the situation and provide updates should they arise.

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