‘Retired combat pilots will be greatly missed, huge loss to the country’- SAAF

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Military Command are saddened to learn of the untimely deaths of two reserve pilots who tragically passed away in an aircraft accident.

Major General Des Barker and Colonel Rama Iyer were flying a Patchen Explorer aircraft when it crashed during a scheduled general flying day at the SA Airforce Museum in Valhalla, Pretoria.

According to Brigadier General Mongezi Kweta, Director SAAF Corporate Staff Services, both were retired reserve pilots flying for the SAAF Museum historical flights.

“Any loss to the SANDF and SAAF is a tremendous loss to the entire country.

“These two men had extensive experience as combat pilots and later in their careers trained many others. They were keeping the museum alive with their contributions to the force, even after retirement,” Kweta told Rekord.

READ MORE: Two SA air force members killed in Centurion aircraft crash

“Enduring painstaking pressure and training to do what they did, and still actively being involved with the force regularly, just goes to show you the calibre of pilots and human beings they were.

“It is with no doubt that the SANDF has endured a great loss, and they will be greatly missed.”

Tributes from across all platforms poured in at the news of the pilots’ accident.

“World Airnews Magazine wishes to send our condolences to the family of Major General Des Barker and retired Colonel Rama Iyer killed in an aircraft accident at Swartkop airfield. We are devastated by the news.

“Barker and former editor Tom Chalmers shared a lengthy and close relationship spanning over 30 years. His son, Kevin, was a former editor of the magazine. Des was a legend in aviation and will be sorely missed,” managing director Joan Chalmers said on their Facebook page.

The European Airshow Council also paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

“Des will be known to many in the airshow and wider aviation community. He was perhaps the world’s leading authority in airshow accidents and incidents, providing analysis, learning and messaging, to prevent re-occurrences and saving lives,” the council said.

“His background as a military pilot, senior military officer and test pilot, provided him with a credible background for his research and experience. When matched with his passion and commitment for driving safety standards forward, Des’ authority on display flying safety was and is unmatched.

“We are truly devastated by the news and the whole of the EAC board send our thoughts and condolences to his wife Bennie and his family. Des was a true gentleman, aviator and a constant supporter for EAC, travelling many times to present at EAC as well as providing guidance and reports. His loss will be felt by many across the globe.

“Blue skies, dear friend, you went doing what you loved.”

An investigation into the fatal crash is underway to determine the cause and events that led to the unfortunate crash.

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