Authorities are investigating the fatal crash of a light aircraft south of Bloemfontein on Friday morning, which resulted in the death of the pilot, who was the sole occupant.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene in the Ferreira area following a complaint about the crash. Upon arrival, they discovered the wreckage of a small airplane.
“We can confirm that there was a plane, a small airplane, that has crashed,” stated Brigadier Makhele. “Upon further investigation, we have established that there was only one passenger, who’s the pilot in the [aircraft]. He was declared deceased on the scene.”
The incident is reported to have occurred around 10:00 AM. In addition to the inquiry into the cause of the crash, a case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation.
Brigadier Makhele indicated that the investigation remains in its early stages. “We still have to get the team from Pretoria to come and investigate the scene properly to establish what could have caused the plane to crash,” he said.
The identity of the deceased pilot has been established by authorities but will be released pending notification of next of kin.