Deceased gyrocopter pilot identified
BORDEAUX – Pilot killed in aircraft crash has now been identified.
The pilot who died when his gyrocopter crashed near Old Parktonian Sports Club in Bordeaux on 6 November has now been identified as Gerry Holmes (57).
On 7 November, the Department of Transport’s director of Accident and Incident Investigation, Sam Monareng said the pilot in a Gyro ZU-DNL and a friend in another aircraft took off from Panorama Airfield to meet up with other pilots at Eagle Creek near Lanseria.
Monareng said, “En route, above Northcliff Hill, the pilot in front turned slightly to see if Holmes was still behind him.
He said the other pilot said at that time, he was still flying behind him.”
Monareng explained that when the pilot arrived at Eagle Creek, he tried to contact Holmes on the radio but was unsuccessful.
“The aircraft was found near the Old Parktonian Sports Club, Holmes was fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed,” said Monareng.
One of the pilot’s friends said, “My friend and the other pilot went on an air journey in the afternoon in two separate microlights, heading in the same direction but he allegedly lost control and crashed.”
The Gauteng Police spokesperson Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng said the deceased’s brother identified the body.
According to the media reports, four light aircraft crashed since Friday, including the one in Randburg.
On 6 November, a Port Elizabeth pilot survived when his plane crashed.
On 7 November, a pilot died when his plane crashed after experiencing engine problems shortly after take-off from the Port Elizabeth Airport.
The following day on 8 November, a pilot was left with critical injuries after his light aircraft crashed in Midrand near the Grand Central Airport.
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