The technical issues caused the pilot to loose control, but he miraculously managed to bring the helicopter lower to the ground where after he crash landed in a ditch in an open field approximately 600m from the road.

Police and paramedics were on the scene shortly thereafter.

The pilot was seen walking away from the helicopter. He apparently only sustained minor injuries, but was transported to hospital.

Scrap collectors waited eagerly to help themselves, but luckily Emfuleni Fire and Rescue stepped in to take control and secure the wreckage.

This is a developing story. The exact cause of the crash and the identification of the pilot was not yet available.