|
|
|
|
|
27 March 2026
|
Pilot survives firefighting helicopter crash while fighting Hout Bay fire, Cape Town
|
|
A Bell UH-1H (Huey) Iroquois firefighting helicopter operated by the Working on Fire Group under a SANParks contract was involved in an accident while assisting with brushfire suppression in the Hout Bay mountains in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town. During a low-speed approach to drop water using an underslung Bambi bucket, the Huey manoeuvred close to a cliff face. At this point, the main rotor blades struck a protruding rock outcrop, causing severe damage to the rotor system and mast. With minimal altitude and forward speed, the pilot managed to perform an emergency landing adjacent to the fire area. The helicopter sustained a hard landing but remained largely intact. The pilot, Mike Bothma, survived with minor cuts and bruises.
Linton Rensburg of Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture said, “Our pilot checked out fine at hospital and he has been discharged from hospital.”
In the official statement, South African National Parks (SANParks), said, “Earlier this evening, a helicopter operating at the fire site on the slopes of Hout Bay in Table Mountain National Park, was involved in an incident, prompting an emergency medical response and the activation of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR). The pilot is reported to be safe. Investigations are underway to ascertain the details behind this incident. To that extent, SANParks is not able to offer additional comment on the matter at this stage. Emergency teams, including Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), SANParks, Kishugu Aviation, Netcare24, the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and Law Enforcement, are on site supporting operations. SANParks will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.”
Emergency crews responded quickly to the crash site and a second helicopter conducted a water drop to suppress nearby flames.
Early indications suggest challenging wind conditions near the cliff face may have contributed to the aircraft drifting too close, resulting in the rotor strike. A formal investigation is underway.
Sources: South African National Parks (SANParks), Jatin Saroha
Linton Rensburg of Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture said, “Our pilot checked out fine at hospital and he has been discharged from hospital.”
In the official statement, South African National Parks (SANParks), said, “Earlier this evening, a helicopter operating at the fire site on the slopes of Hout Bay in Table Mountain National Park, was involved in an incident, prompting an emergency medical response and the activation of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR). The pilot is reported to be safe. Investigations are underway to ascertain the details behind this incident. To that extent, SANParks is not able to offer additional comment on the matter at this stage. Emergency teams, including Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), SANParks, Kishugu Aviation, Netcare24, the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and Law Enforcement, are on site supporting operations. SANParks will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.”
Emergency crews responded quickly to the crash site and a second helicopter conducted a water drop to suppress nearby flames.
Early indications suggest challenging wind conditions near the cliff face may have contributed to the aircraft drifting too close, resulting in the rotor strike. A formal investigation is underway.
Sources: South African National Parks (SANParks), Jatin Saroha
