Civil Aviation Authority probing Durban chopper crash
The accident involved a Robinson R22 helicopter. The final accident report may contain safety recommendations aimed at preventing a similar accident.
PRETORIA, May 03 (ANA) – Investigators from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) have been dispatched to start piecing together the circumstances of a helicopter crash which killed two people in Durban on Monday morning.
“The accident and incident investigations division has been notified of a helicopter accident that happened this morning Monday, 03 May 2021. Investigators have been dispatched, meaning that the investigation into the cause of the accident has thus begun,” said SACAA spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba.
The accident involved a Robinson R22 helicopter.
“The accident resulted in two fatalities when the helicopter crashed into the Umgeni River in KwaZulu-Natal province,” said Ledwaba.
He said at this stage there are no further details to share.
“Nonetheless, a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days from the day of this accident,” said Ledwaba.
“The completion of the investigation will be marked by the release of a final accident report, which may contain safety recommendations aimed at improving the levels of aviation safety and the prevention of a similar accident.”
Earlier on Monday, the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that two people had died in the helicopter crash in Durban.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala was quoted on IOL as saying that the helicopter crashed on the M19, near the N2 freeway, at around 8.15am.
“It is alleged that the plane crashed on the island in the Umgeni River. Two pilots, believed to be in their twenties, were declared dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is unknown at this stage. The scene is still active, pending the arrival of authorities from aviation.”
Kyle van Reenen, of Rescue Care, said that when paramedics arrived on the scene they found a Robinson 22 helicopter submerged in the Umgeni River.
“Both pilot and co-pilot were found entrapped in the aircraft and, sadly, were pronounced deceased on the arrival of paramedics.
“It is speculated that the cause of the crash is that of a bird strike. However, aviation authorities will conduct the necessary investigations.”
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
