SA Civil Aviation probes cause of aircraft crash in Mpumalanga
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of a light aircraft crash that claimed the lives of a husband and wife.
According to police, 39-year-old Quinton Steyn and his wife, 38-year-old Lizette Steyn, tragically lost their lives in a light aircraft crash near Botshabelo Airfield in Middelburg on Sunday.
The couple was reportedly travelling from Nelspruit to Middelburg, where they resided at the time of the crash.
ALSO READ: Pilot tragically killed in crash at West Coast Airshow in Western Cape [VIDEO]
Aircraft crash
SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed the accident that involved a Rans Aircraft S10 Sakota (Registration ZS-WXE).
'The aircraft departed from Middleburg Airfield before crashing shortly after take-off within the boundary of the airfield. The pilot and passenger on board were declared dead by Emergency Services on arrival. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire,' said Majola.
Majola said the site was secured on Sunday evening and guarded by the South African Police Service (Saps)
'The AIID is on site this morning to collate evidence that will form part of a preliminary report that will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days.
'The AIID extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,' Majola said.
Airshow crash
In March, a pilot was killed when the aircraft crashed during the West Coast Airshow at the Saldanha Airfield in the Western Cape.
Videos shared on social media show the plane ascending, spinning mid-air, descending rapidly before plummeting to the ground and bursting into flames.
'There is one confirmed fatality, a pilot on board an Impala Aircraft (Registration: ZU-IMP). The AIID is working with the event safety officers to collate preliminary information.
'The AIID will provide a public update from the scene, should this be deemed necessary. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website 30 days from the day of the accident,' Majola said.
ALSO READ: Court rules against ex-Civil Aviation Authority executive's 'false and malicious' claims
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