LOOK: Airplane crashes into light pole after hitting pothole

South African road users face daily obstacles, from broken traffic lights to lawless driving and, of course, the dreaded potholes.

Although frustrating, we often make jokes about the condition of our roads as a way to cope with our daily struggles.

But you know you have a real problem when potholes are even starting to affect aircrafts in the country.

READ: Where to spot every speed camera in Joburg

According to IOL, this is exactly what happened when a light aircraft allegedly hit a light pole due to a pothole in the road.

It has been reported that the incident happened when a Piper Lance or Saratoga light aircraft had to make an emergency landing.

“The 75-year-old male pilot alleged that the aircraft was low on fuel, and he was forced to make an emergency landing in Ysterhout Street in Algoa Park,” said provincial police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge.

Beetge added that a pothole and a speed bump in the road caused the aircraft to swerve, which caused it to crash into a light pole.

READ: The four major hijacking hotspots in Pretoria

“The aircraft wings and tail section were damaged in the incident. No injuries were reported by the pilot and his two passengers, two men aged 33 and 43,” Beegte said.

The three people on board the aircraft, a pilot and two passengers, luckily escaped the incident, which occurred in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday at around 4pm.

Tune in to the ‘Breakfast with Martin Bester‘, on weekdays from 06:00 – 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

Listen to Jacaranda FM: 

Follow us on social media:

IMAGE: X/ Screenshot/ Yusuf Abramjee