Light aircraft crash claims two lives shortly after take-off
An aerial view of the crash site near Morningstar Airfield, where a Sling 2 aircraft went down shortly after take-off, killing both occupants. Investigations into the cause are under way.
Image: WCLive Traffic & Safety Alerts
Two people died after a light aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Morningstar Airfield on Sunday, triggering aviation and police investigations.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed the crash involved a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-FWF.
The AIID confirmed that there were two occupants (a flight instructor and a private licence holder) on board the aircraft when it departed from the airfield at approximately 11am before it crashed shortly after take off.
“The two occupants were fatally wounded while the aircraft itself was substantially damaged during the impact sequence," it said.
Investigators were dispatched to the scene. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website within 30 days. The AIID conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased.
Police confirmed they were also called to the crash.
“This office can confirm a fatal airplane crash on Sunday, at about 12:40pm at Vissershok airfield, Philadelphia. The two occupants died due to injuries sustained,” police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said.
Philadelphia police have opened an inquest docket, which will proceed alongside the SACAA investigation.
The names of the deceased will be released once their families have been formally notified. Updated comment from the SACAA has been requested.
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