Particle.news
Download on the App Store

TV Chef Mynie Steffens, 43, Killed After Helicopter Hits Power Lines on Eastern Cape Farm

Investigators are examining how a low-altitude pest-control flight contacted power lines at a citrus operation.

Overview

  • The helicopter went down near Patensie around 8 a.m. Monday during agricultural spraying at a citrus farm reported locally as Roodegrond Farm.
  • Authorities said the aircraft struck power lines and was substantially damaged, and both Steffens and the pilot were killed.
  • The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division and the Civil Aviation Authority’s accident unit are leading the probe, with police conducting parallel inquiries.
  • Tributes poured in from colleagues and broadcaster VIA TV, with co-host Aldi van der Walt calling the loss a massive shock.
  • Steffens was known for co-hosting Speel met Vuur and authoring a companion cookbook, and she also held a helicopter pilot’s licence.