Tragic helicopter crash claims three lives in Northern Cape

Three people, including a pilot, were killed when a helicopter crashed at Danielskuil in the Northern Cape on Sunday.

The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed that an Alouette helicopter (registration ZU-RAL) went down at Danielskuil on Sunday, October 26.

“All three occupants on board - a pilot and two other people - were fatally injured,” the AIID said in a statement.

According to the agency, the pilot had been ferrying the aircraft from Elandsvlakte to Olifantshoek when it crashed in the Kurumanheuwels area of Danielskuil.

The helicopter was substantially damaged on impact, and a post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft.

“Investigators have been dispatched to the site, and a preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website within 30 days of the accident,” the AIID said.

The division extended its condolences to the families and friends of those who died.

In a separate incident, the AIID confirmed it is investigating what it described as an “emergency landing” after a light aircraft crashed at a school in Alberton, Gauteng, on Sunday afternoon.

According to the AIID, the accident occurred at approximately 11.20am and involved a Tecnam P92 Echo aircraft (registration ZU-BJX).

On board were a flight instructor and a student pilot. No injuries were reported, but both the aircraft and the school building sustained damage during the emergency landing.

“The aircraft had departed from Rand Airport for a Private Pilot Licence skills test and was returning to the same airport when the accident occurred,” the AIID said.

The aircraft is believed to have experienced an engine stoppage, resulting in a forced landing.

“An AIID investigator was dispatched to the site to collect evidence for a final report, which will be issued once the investigation is complete,” the agency said.

Cape Times