One killed in Knoppieslaagte light aircraft crash, Pretoria
One person was killed in a light aircraft crash in Knoppieslaagte, Pretoria, on Wednesday, 15 February 2023. The aircraft had crashed into the Swaartbooispruit River. The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), Johannesburg, initiated a search and rescue operation for a light aircraft that reportedly crashed shortly before 08h00 in the vicinity of the Eagles Creek Flight Estate next to the N14 highway in Knoppieslaagte. ARCC chief Gregory Critchley reported, “The South African Police Services and Netcare911 flight desks alerted the ARCC and an immediate activation of emergency services commenced with the deployment of Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), Netcare911, SAPS Search and Rescue, divers and K9, GroundSAR, City of Tshwane Fire Service, City of Johannesburg Fire Service, Grand Central Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Lanseria ARFF.”
“Three aeromedical helicopter services namely, Netcare911 HEMS, Halo Aviation HEMS and Rocket HEMS as well as the SAPS Airwing were placed on standby. On arrival at the scene, it was confirmed that the pilot and sole occupant was fatally injured during the accident. The accident scene was handed over to the SAPS and Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the SACAA”, Critchley added.
“The ARCC sends their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased pilot and wish to thank all the first responders for their swift deployment and all other units who remained on standby during this accident.”