Plane lands on Dbn beachfront

29 July 2010 - 09:08
By ECR Newswatch

Two men are lucky to be alive after making an emergency landing on Durban's beachfront.

The pilot of a light aircraft was forced to land at South Beach yesterday evening after the plane is believed to have experienced engine failure.

He noticed an open space on the beach and prepared for a crash landing.

The only damage visible on the plane was on the left wing which is thought to have hit a pole that was in the sand.

ER24's Derrick Banks says the pilot and his co-pilot managed to escape without any injuries.

"Members of public had gathered around the aeroplane in total amazement. We had to use cordoning off tape just to get them to back away from the plane, just for safety reasons. The pilot and co-pilot were unharmed in the incident. They were taken to hospital for a general check-up."

SAPS Search and Rescue's Troy Allison says the light aircraft had taken off from Virginia Airport on a routine flight when there was a technical problem yesterday afternoon - causing the pilot to make the forced landing.

"The pilot did a sterling job. He landed the aircraft quite well."

(Photo: Netcare911)

null

Not rated yet.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Share your views