The SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is investigating the cause of an accident involving a small aircraft near Stanford last week.
The accident occurred on Sunday 18 July at approximately 15:07 near the African Wings Airfield just outside Stanford.
In a video clip that was shared on social media it is clear that the light aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. The woman seated next to the pilot excitedly asks her companion to zoom in on the control panel as they take-off. A short while later, as they are still ascending, a blue flash is visible before a loud crash is heard.
The screen then goes black for a short while, before you see a woman with blood on her head exiting the plane.
Lourens Theron, chairperson of Afriforum’s Alfa Neighbourhood Watch, stated the group was informed of the accident and assisted in contacting the relevant authorities, including Stanford police, the ambulance services and Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services.
Derek Crabtree, chairperson of Kleinrivier Overwatch (Krow), confirmed nobody was seriously injured.
“It could have been so much worse,” he said. “Three of the occupants were fine, one was slightly injured and the pilot was in shock. Unbelievable coordination and facilitation by all allowed Stanford Security Services, Krow, CMC ambulance services, Overstrand Fire Services and Disaster Management, the police and Overstrand Law Enforcement to be on the scene within the shortest possible time.”
An Eskom cable was damaged during the incident, causing several spots in the veld to ignite. Firefighters managed to extinguish all the hot spots.
Sisa Majola, SACAA’s spokesperson, confirmed its Accident and Incident Investigation Department (AIID) was investigating the incident.
He said the cause of the accident and the altitude at which the plane with four occupants crashed formed part of the investigation.
“AIID has started the evidence-collection phase and has dispatched two investigators to the accident site to gather more information, which will assist to define the size and scope of the investigation as well as the anticipated time frame for the completion of a final accident investigation report,” Majola stated.
“It is vital to point out that investigations can vary in complexity and may at times take a bit of time to complete. However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the investigating team will then immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate action can be taken. A preliminary report will be issued within 30 days from the day of this accident.”
Should the investigation take longer than 12 months, said Majola, the investigation team will issue an interim statement to indicate the progress made.
He concluded: “The completion of an investigation is marked by the release of a final accident report, which often contain safety recommendations aimed at improving the levels of aviation safety and the prevention of a similar accident.”
The owner of African Wings could not be reached for comment.
