Ermelo – A 60-year-old pilot pilot from Free State died Saturday when his light aircraft crashed near Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
Police said an investigation has already begun to establish the cause of the fatal crash.
Witness accounts suggested that the pilot was trying to avoid a dog on the runway before the crash.
The accident occurred around 07:30..
The pilot was from Bethlehem on his way to Nelspruit, from where he would have flown to Malawi,
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said their preliminary investigation revealed that the aircraft crashed next to an airfield, where the only occupant was declared dead.
“A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the South African Police Service in conjunction with the Civil Aviation of South Africa after a light aircraft crashed next to an airfield,” Colonel Donald Mdhluli said.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the pilot was alone during the time of the crash.
“More details with regards to the crash will be shared with the public in due course.
“However, it appears as if the plane was coming from Bethlehem in the Free State Province.”
The police said the name of the dead pilot would only be released after his next of kin had been informed of the tragedy.
