Light aircraft crashes into power lines near Cullinan
Both the pilot and the instructor aboard the aircraft were declared dead at the scene.
A light aircraft crashed into power lines on a local game farm just before 20:00 on November 1.
Local police, rescue teams, and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Crime Intervention Branch (CIB) patrollers swiftly mobilised to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance.
The aircraft was engulfed in flames.
Both the pilot and the instructor aboard the aircraft were declared dead at the scene.
As chaos ensued on the ground, Eskom Cullinan worked to isolate the area to ensure safety for both responders and bystanders.
Their efforts to restore electricity were successful, with power being fully restored just before 23:00, alleviating some of the immediate concerns for local residents affected by the blackout.
The Cullinan South African Police Service (SAPS) launched an inquest case docket following the aircraft accident.
According to the police, the aircraft was occupied by a flight instructor and a learner pilot, who were conducting a routine training exercise after taking off from the Boschkop area.
However, trouble ensued during the flight, as the aircraft is believed to have encountered mechanical issues.
In a desperate attempt to avert disaster, the pilot attempted an emergency landing but unfortunately collided with power lines, leading to the deadly crash. Both the instructor and the learner pilot were declared dead at the scene.
