POLOKWANE – A South African Air Force (SAAF) Oryx medium-transport helicopter was damaged after a hard landing during an Air Capability Demonstration on Tuesday, 18 September.
The Oryx was part of an SAAF Air Power Capability Demonstration held at the Roodewal Weapons Range outside Polokwane.
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The purpose of the event was to invigorate the SAAF’s combat readiness and its role in peace support operations.
The Oryx had been operating as the lead helicopter of a flight of two and was landing to disembark troops. However, the helicopter landed hard, remaining upright and the troops exited the aircraft as planned.
The damaged tail boom became apparent once the dust and smoke had cleared.
Spokesperson for the SAAF, Col. Eugene Motati said there were no serious injuries and they refuse to enter into speculation but rather leave the matter to a full investigation.
