A joint operation involving police and rescue units at the crash scene. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
A GUARD was an eyewitness to the chopper crash which claimed the lives of four South Coast men.
The helicopter flying across a gorge at Msikaba, near Mkambati Nature Reserve last Wednesday afternoon when it lost communication.
A source who assisted with the recovery but asked to remain anonymous, said he had spoken to a man who had witnessed the crash while guarding a vulture deck near the crash site.
He explained that, according to the man’s account, the main rotor blades severed the tail rotor drive shaft due to turbulent conditions, then a portion of the main rotor blade broke off, resulting in the helicopter spiralling out of control for some 400 feet before hitting the ground.
The gorge at Msikaba, near Mkambati Nature Reserve. PHOTO SUPPLIED
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and insurance assessors returned to the wreck last Friday and, for most of the day, the scene was photographed to ascertain what could have caused the accident.
However, no final report from the SACAA has been officially released as yet.
The crash site. Pic: SAPS Twitter
Des Potts, chairman of Margate Light Plane Club, said that, at this stage, anything could have caused the accident and, until the authorities have done their investigations, no one can speculate. “To lose these members was a big loss to both Margate’s airfield and the club. Let’s remember these wonderful men, and who they were.”
One of the choppers used during the recovery operations. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Recovery operatorsworked for most of Thursday, recovering the remains of Braam Swanepoel (50) from Gladiator Security, his son, also Braam (24), Gordon Gray (40) and Theo Roos (38).
According to reports, Mr Roos and his passengers had been brought back to Margate Airport on Wednesday after his small aircraft had experienced a puncture in the former Transkei.
After sourcing a replacement wheel, Mr Swanepoel Snr is believed to have offered to take Mr Roos and the wheel back to the aircraft, using his helicopter, a Robinson R44.
Braam Swanepoel with his son, Braam. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Mr Swanepoel Snr was the owner of Gladiator Security and leaves behind his wife, Jynie and daughter, Meliska.
Hendrik Ludick, a close friend, described him as a very generous man, hands-on with the community and passionate about fighting crime. Mr Swanepoel had his Springbok colours in martial arts, was a former police officer and worked in special investigations into mine security. He moved to Hibberdene in 2004, and became dedicated to safeguarding the Hibberdene community.
Mr Ludick mentioned many cases where his friend had gone out of his way to help, such as fitting cameras around the CBD to monitor and protect the community at his own cost, and being instrumental in tracking down some of the most wanted criminals in Umzumbe, which resulted in a drop in crime. “If you phoned Braam any time, day or night, with a problem, he couldn’t say no and would assist.”
Mr Swanepoel qualified as a pilot last year and bought the helicopter, which he also used in crime fighting and assisting the police.
Braam Swanepoel Snr and his son, Braam. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Mr Swanepoel shared a special bond with his son, Braam, who was married to Gereen and was the owner of Eagle View Security Distributors. Mrs Swanepoel, Braam Jnr’s wife, wrote on Facebook: “I miss you so much – I’m so heartbroken that you had to go so soon, we had so many things to do.”
Mr Ludick specially thanked everyone involved in the recovery operation, and the Msikaba community for showing respect at the crash site by not removing any of the men’s personal belongings. He said Gladiator clients should be assured that business would carry on as usual. A memorial service was held for the father and son in Hibberdene on Tuesday this week.
Theo Roos and his son, Zian. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.
Mr Roos and his wife Antya used to own the Steers franchise in Margate and had recently bought The Deck Café at Margate Airport. Mr Roos also owned Wild Coast Air 360 at Margate Airport and was a commercial, fixed wing pilot with close to 1 000 flying hours under his belt.
Mrs Roos described her husband as a true legend and a hero to their son, Zian (4).
“He was the most beautiful soul that I have ever known. A very honest and true friend. A loyal and hard worker. Very popular and had a personality that always pulled people towards him,” she said. “Life will be empty without him. I will always be so proud of what he accomplished in his life.”
Mr Roos’s funeral will be held at the NG Church in Margate (opposite Sebenza Village) on Friday, August 12 at 1.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the family afterwards for a wake at The Deck Café at Margate Airport.
Gordon Gray. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Mr Gray’s partner, Lisa Honneysett-Filer, described him as a man who was extremely passionate about flying. “He was very considerate, non-judgemental and a giving man who was always up for a party. Free-spirited, Gordon was always looking for an open seat in an aircraft, be it to Kenya or Zimbabwe,” she said.
He grew up in Harding and after school ran businesses in Kokstad. He owned a hangar and two planes at Margate Airport.
He leaves behind two daughters, Melissa (9) and Ashley (4).
Mr Gray’s memorial service will be held at the Kokstad airstrip on Saturday, August 13 at 10am. Everyone is welcome.
