A light aircraft crashed at the Bronkhorstspruit Nature Reserve, in Tshwane, on Tuesday, leaving a pilot dead.
Bronkhorstspruit Nature Reserve aircraft crash: Here’s the latest
As reported by News24, Netcare 911 emergency respondents were called out to the scene of the wreckage at approximately 17:00. According to the emergency service’s spokesperson Shawn Herbst, the light aircraft had lost control mid-air and nose-dove into the nature reserve. What remained were charred parts of the two-seater that was in two halves when respondents got to the scene.
From what we understand, only one victim was found in the wreckage, an adult male who, it’s believed, was the only occupant of the light aircraft.
“One person, an adult male, who was also the only occupant on board, was assessed. However, [he] showed no signs of life and was sadly, declared deceased on the scene.
“He must have died on impact. We could not tell his age due to the nature of his injuries,” Herbst informed the cited publication.
The identity of the victim is unknown at this stage, and it’s believed an inquest is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Are light aircrafts dangerous to fly?
Operating a light aircraft is more dangerous than driving a car, according to aviation experts. In South Africa, the thrill of owning a private airplane is enjoyed by the minority and while it does hold its benefits, it is not cheap.
According to Micro Flyers, to legally operate a light aircraft, pilots must be at least 17 years old and have a valid National Pilots License (NPL), accompanied by a valid medical and restricted radio license.
Obtaining these requires a rigorous training process overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and involves no less than 25 hours of flying, 15 of which must be completed on solo flights.
The tedious process of obtaining a valid license to operate a light aircraft, albeit an argument can be made against the 25 hours flight time prerequisite, does not wholly protect pilots from the looming threat of mid-air incidents that, in most cases, result in fatality.
According to High Sky Flying, the most common cause in light aircraft accidents is pilot errors. Piloting a plane is a highly technical skill that requires a lot of experience and more times than not, the shortcut prerequisites for private pilots can be their undoing.
“This disadvantage coupled with the absence of a co-pilot increases the chances of a crash occurring,” the aviation publisher writes.
Mechanical faults are also prevalent, especially on single-engine aircraft.
Here is a video you might enjoy that covers more details on the problems around light aircraft piloting: