Vaal Dam latest: Helicopter crash claims life of pilot, passenger

The pilot and a passenger of a Robinson R44 helicopter died Friday evening after the aircraft crashed into the Vaal Dam. At the time of publishing, the wreckage was still in the dam.

News of the incident was shared by the Reza Crime Air Network on Twitter, followed by Yusuf Abramjee confirming the craft went down at “Ring Road, Vaal Marina”.

Vaal Dam helicopter crash: What we know

Pilot and passenger extracted

According to Arrive Alive, reports indicate that the craft had gone down approximately 200 metres from the shore. Two bodies – the pilot and a passenger – were extracted from the wreck.

In addition, the head of Aeronautical Search and Rescue, Dhipak Lalla, confirmed to Times Live “that a report of a helicopter down in the Vaal Dam” was received at 18:15 on Friday evening, 14 May 2021.

“The ARCC activated the NSRI, SAPS and Netcare 911. A female was recovered, but she had unfortunately passed away.”

Cause of crash uncertain

At approximately 22:00, Lalla confirmed police divers extracted a second body, presumed to be the pilot. Divers worked in darkness under challenging conditions, with Lalla saying they did not want to rush the investigation.

Speculation on social media point to pilots in South Africa being “rusty, lacking of practice”. However, one netizen claims the pilot was a family member who “flew often”.

More to follow, this is a developing story.

Been lots of aviation accidents/crashes lately

— ms pe (@pumezamdangayi) May 14, 2021

These air crashes are starting to be worrisome.

— Nkosi (@Nkosi18677375) May 14, 2021

I knew them. People should not speculate…

— Thys Brits (@Thys_Brits) May 14, 2021

Don’t speculate. The pilot was family of mine and flew often…

— Thys Brits (@Thys_Brits) May 14, 2021

Now read: Helicopter Crash Latest: Civil Aviation Authority investigates