Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Crop-Spraying Helicopter Crashes Near Patensie, Killing 43-Year-Old Pilot

A formal inquest is under way into a suspected power-line strike.

Overview

  • Eastern Cape police said a Robinson helicopter went down on Roodegrond farm at about 7:45 am while spraying crops.
  • Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed an inquest docket and said the pilot’s identity will be withheld pending formal identification.
  • Officials reported the aircraft allegedly struck power lines before crashing.
  • Local farmer Ruan Scheepers told IOL he was alerted by a worker and arrived to see the aftermath.
  • Private security company Exec Ops responded to the scene and said no further details could be shared during the investigation.