MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Plane Accident Victim airlifted to Port Elizabeth

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At 11h30, Wednesday, 16th December, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated along with the Emergency Services following reports of a light aircraft accident initially believed to be near to Plettenberg Bay.

On investigation it was revealed that a light aircraft had been involved in an accident suspected to be in the vicinity of the Palmietvlei mountains in bad weather.

An emergency response was activated and the ARCC (Air Rescue Coordination Centre) of the ATNS (Air Traffic and Navigation Services) were alerted and they assumed command of a search and rescue operation for the light aircraft, a Cessna 186, with three persons onboard and believed to have departed Wonderboom, Pretoria, earlier, refuelling at Graaff Reinet and overdue for arrival at Plettenberg Bay Airport.

ARCC, An SA Air Force 15 Squadron – Charlie Flight helicopter, the EMS/AMS Skymed helicopter, WC Government Health EMS, NSRI St Francis Bay, NSRI Oyster Bay, Humansdorp Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services, Private Care ambulance services and a security company activated.

A private pilot in his aircraft from Plettenberg Bay volunteered to assist in a search.

NSRI Plettenberg Bay set up a JOCC (Joint Operations Control Centre) at Plettenberg Bay Airport and family awaiting the arrival of the light aircraft were assisted by NSRI and Police.

During a search the aircraft was found on a hill top on the Palmietvlei Mountains near to the Oyster Bay turn-off from the N2 Freeway.

NSRI rescuers hiked to the crash scene from the nearest road location and later paramedics were airlifted to the crash scene aboard a SAAF 15 Squadron Charlie Flight BK-119 helicopter.

One man, a 50 year old, believed to be the pilot, was airlifted by the SAAF helicopter to hospital in Port Elizabeth in a stable but critical condition in the care of paramedics.

The bodies of two passengers, females aged 50 and 75, confirmed by paramedics to be deceased were found trapped in wreckage and Police remain on the scene and the bodies will be recovered and taken into the care of The Department of Health Forensics Pathology Services.

CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) were activated and they will investigate the accident.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.