The wreckage of the gyrocopter that went missing two days ago after taking off from Mbombela, was found near Louis Trichardt this afternoon, October 17.
The pilot, Gerhardus Minnaar, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was the only occupant.
The Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) chief of operations, Gregory Critchley, said an aerial search and rescue operation, which utilised drones and a SAPS aircraft, spotted the wreckage of a light aircraft that matched the description of the missing gyrocopter within the primary search area.
The exact location of the wreckage is being kept under wraps pending the completion of the recovery operation. This is to avoid civilian drones interfering with official helicopter workings.
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Minnaar, a buffalo farmer from Limpopo, left Nelspruit Airfield on Tuesday morning at about 08:30, heading towards Musina. His last visible location was Louis Trichardt. After being alerted to the incident, the ARCC speedily initiated the official search and rescue operation in collaboration with the SAPS Airwing, SARZA, local pilots and ground assistance.
“The ARCC extends its deepest condolences to the pilot’s family. We would like to thank the search and rescue teams from the SAPS, SARZA, a local private security company and the local rural safety group, Soutpansberg, for their quick deployment and efforts during this challenging search and rescue operation.
The scene has been handed over to the SAPS and the SACAA Accident and Incident Investigation Division for further investigation,” said Critchley.
More details will be released once the wreckage has been recovered.
Keep an eye on Lowvelder’s website and Facebook page for more details as they become available.
