UPDATE: Microlight crashed minutes after take-off

The accident took place at about 5.15pm at the Springs Airfield.

While it has not been confirmed, it is believed the pilot lost control of the aircraft.

Aubrey Nkoana, an investigator from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, says a thorough investigation will take place to determine the cause of the crash.

A report on the findings will also help prevent similar accidents from taking place.

The pilot was well known at the airfield, and it it believed he took to the sky to pay tribute to a friend who had died in an accident in a similar aircraft, over the weekend.

A banner bearing the friend’s name and the words ‘RIP’, was found at the scene of the crash.

Instructors from a flight school on the premises saw the crash, and were on the scene within minutes of it happening.

Ekurhuleni Emergency Services arrived shortly thereafter.

Rudi Beukes from emergency services says when he arrived at the scene, the pilot had already been declared dead.

Although there was nothing more they could do, emergency services were on standby in case a fire started – it is believed the microlight’s engine was still warm and there was fuel leaking.

Beukes politely refused to disclose the name of the pilot.