Cape Town – The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) says it “notes with concern” the helicopter incident involving Kishugu Aviation, but insists the crash was not linked to its contract with the service provider. contract with the service provider
A firefighting helicopter crashed on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park above Hout Bay, Cape Town, on Wednesday evening, 25 March 2026, while battling a wildfire.
The Bell UH-1H (Huey) aircraft clipped a cliffside or rock face with its main rotor during water-dropping operations on the Vlakkenberg area near Constantia Nek.
It flipped over, losing rotors, and came to rest amid the blaze.
Commenting on the matter on Thursday, 26 March 2026, the DFFE explained that it has a five-year contract with the Kishugu Joint Venture, of which Kishugu Aviation forms part, to implement the department’s Working on Fire Programme, trading as Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd.
“Aerial support under this programme is provided to support firefighting operations on DFFE-managed land and, where required, to assist with community fire incidents,” the department said.
Contrary to earlier reports, the department said the incident that occurred on Wednesday was not linked to the DFFE contract with the service provider (Kishugu Joint Venture).
“Initial reports indicate that, on 25 March 2026, one of the service provider’s helicopters, undertaking private work, was involved in an incident while conducting wildfire suppression operations in the Hout Bay area,” the department said.
The pilot survived and received medical attention.
“According to the service provider’s initial account, the pilot exited the aircraft unaided, made his way to safety, and was transported to hospital for medical evaluation,” DFFE said.
The department further stated that, at the time of the incident, the helicopter was deployed under a separate contractual arrangement and was not undertaking work on behalf of DFFE.
“The aircraft was operating under a contract with SANParks,” the department said.
“DFFE wishes the pilot a speedy recovery and commends all firefighting and emergency personnel involved in the wildfire suppression efforts.
“The relevant aviation and law enforcement authorities are expected to investigate the incident.“
The department urged people to heed safety advisories and avoid affected areas to enable emergency services to operate without obstruction.
