Wreckage of missing Mbombela pilot found outside Louis Trichardt
An extensive search and rescue operation led to the discovery of Gerhard Minnaar's body and the gyrocopter he was last seen in.
LIMPOPO – The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirmed the wreckage of a light aircraft was found in the primary search area today.
The aircraft and its occupant matched the description of missing Mbombela pilot Gerhard Minnaar.
Minnaar was last seen at the Nelspruit Airport around 08:30 on Tuesday when he took off in his gyrocopter.
Capricorn Voice‘s sister publication, The Lowvelder, reports that he was heading in the direction of Musina and his last visible location was Louis Trichardt.
Gregory Critchley, the ARCC chief of operations, says they were alerted earlier today about the missing gyrocopter and promptly initiated an official search and rescue operation in collaboration with the SAPS Airwing Unit, SARZA (a volunteer search and rescue unit), local pilots, and ground assistance.
“The aerial search and rescue operation, which utilised drones and a SAPS aircraft, located the wreckage in the primary search area. Unfortunately, the pilot, who was the only occupant, was found to have sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” Critchley said.
He added that the scene has been handed over to the SAPS and the SACAA Accident and Incident Investigation Division for further investigation.
The Capricorn Voice awaits an official statement from the Limpopo Police.
