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30 June 2023
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Fixed-wing bomber pilot died in an aircraft accident during an aerial fire fighting operation near Ngodwana, Mpumalanga
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Justin van As, a Working on Fire fixed-wing bomber pilot, died in an aircraft accident during an aerial fire fighting operation near Ngodwana in Mpumalanga, on Wednesday afternoon, 21 June 2023. Van As, flying an Air Tractor AT-802F bomber, was returning from a fire fighting operation and crashed near Ngodwana, Mpumalanga. The incident was reported at about 16h40.
“The Air Tractor 802 fixed-wing aircraft took off from Nelspruit Airport for an aerial fire fighting operation at the Sappi plantation on Nooitgedacht. The plane would return to the airport after the operation. However, Van As did not return and the incident was reported to the SACAA. The pilot suffered fatal injuries and the aircraft was destroyed by the fire that broke out due to the impact of the accident”, said Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
Working on Fire spokesperson and Kishugu Aviation’s Linton Rensburg said, “The focus of our efforts at this time is to attend to the needs of the bereaved family and our crews. We are working with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to determine the cause of the accident.”
Rensburg said that on behalf of Kishugu Aviation, they wished to extend their heartfelt condolences to the family.
Justin van As: a passionate pilot and devoted family man
Klerksdorp-born Van As, aged 49, joined Kishugu Aviation on 1 May 2019, as an AT802 AFF fixed-wing water bomber pilot.
Beyond his role as an aerial fire fighting pilot, Justin van As was a man of many passions. Described as a keen reader, he had a particular interest in historical events and enjoyed engaging in research and philosophical discussions. His love for learning extended to his profession, where he constantly sought ways to enhance his skills and knowledge in aerial firefighting. Van As leaves behind his wife, Amelia and their 18-year-old son. He will be remembered for his dedication to his work and his commitment to his family.
According to reports Justin’s younger brother died three months ago.
His sister Lizelle Joubert wrote in a heartwarming message after he brother’s passing: “Yesterday, your passion, your dream, took you away for eternity. Your life is complete. You served your time. You are in the best place ever. Dance with those who came before you in heaven. My pilot brother, fly with your new wings. For us as a family who are left behind, it is very, very painful. We remain anchored in God and ask that the Holy Spirit will comfort us.”
Please join the Facebook Group at the above link to view the live stream for the memorial service for Justin van As on Friday, 30 June 2023 at 11h00. https://www.facebook.com/groups/justinvanasmemorial
Minister Creecy’s tribute to a hero
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy expressed her condolences to the family of Van As. “At a time of great sadness for the family of Justin van As, as well as the fire fighting fraternity, I salute Justin’s bravery and dedication to his work. I wish to pay homage and respect to a true fire fighting hero, who remained forever committed to saving lives and protecting our environment,” Minister Creecy stated.
Her words resonated with a sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who risk their lives to combat wildfires and safeguard communities.
The cause of the accident is still unknown but the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has started with its investigation.
“The safety of our pilots and ground crews remains a top priority and Kishugu Aviation will be working with South African Civil Aviation Authority to determine the cause of the accident. We are unfortunately unable to provide any further details at this stage,” said Minister Creecy.
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“Opportunities don't happen. You create them.” ~ Chris Grosser
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Lee Raath-Brownie
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Cell: 082 371 0190
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“The Air Tractor 802 fixed-wing aircraft took off from Nelspruit Airport for an aerial fire fighting operation at the Sappi plantation on Nooitgedacht. The plane would return to the airport after the operation. However, Van As did not return and the incident was reported to the SACAA. The pilot suffered fatal injuries and the aircraft was destroyed by the fire that broke out due to the impact of the accident”, said Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
Working on Fire spokesperson and Kishugu Aviation’s Linton Rensburg said, “The focus of our efforts at this time is to attend to the needs of the bereaved family and our crews. We are working with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to determine the cause of the accident.”
Rensburg said that on behalf of Kishugu Aviation, they wished to extend their heartfelt condolences to the family.
Justin van As: a passionate pilot and devoted family man
Klerksdorp-born Van As, aged 49, joined Kishugu Aviation on 1 May 2019, as an AT802 AFF fixed-wing water bomber pilot.
Beyond his role as an aerial fire fighting pilot, Justin van As was a man of many passions. Described as a keen reader, he had a particular interest in historical events and enjoyed engaging in research and philosophical discussions. His love for learning extended to his profession, where he constantly sought ways to enhance his skills and knowledge in aerial firefighting. Van As leaves behind his wife, Amelia and their 18-year-old son. He will be remembered for his dedication to his work and his commitment to his family.
According to reports Justin’s younger brother died three months ago.
His sister Lizelle Joubert wrote in a heartwarming message after he brother’s passing: “Yesterday, your passion, your dream, took you away for eternity. Your life is complete. You served your time. You are in the best place ever. Dance with those who came before you in heaven. My pilot brother, fly with your new wings. For us as a family who are left behind, it is very, very painful. We remain anchored in God and ask that the Holy Spirit will comfort us.”
Please join the Facebook Group at the above link to view the live stream for the memorial service for Justin van As on Friday, 30 June 2023 at 11h00. https://www.facebook.com/groups/justinvanasmemorial
Minister Creecy’s tribute to a hero
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy expressed her condolences to the family of Van As. “At a time of great sadness for the family of Justin van As, as well as the fire fighting fraternity, I salute Justin’s bravery and dedication to his work. I wish to pay homage and respect to a true fire fighting hero, who remained forever committed to saving lives and protecting our environment,” Minister Creecy stated.
Her words resonated with a sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who risk their lives to combat wildfires and safeguard communities.
The cause of the accident is still unknown but the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has started with its investigation.
“The safety of our pilots and ground crews remains a top priority and Kishugu Aviation will be working with South African Civil Aviation Authority to determine the cause of the accident. We are unfortunately unable to provide any further details at this stage,” said Minister Creecy.
Quote of the week
“Opportunities don't happen. You create them.” ~ Chris Grosser
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Download magazine PDFs: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
Read the magazines online: https://issuu.com/fireandrescueinternational
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/
