Missing Kruger Park helicopter found, all crew safe
A search for the helicopter began after officials lost contact with the aircraft shortly after take-off on Monday.
A helicopter that went missing during an anti-poaching operation in the Kruger National Park has been found, with all four occupants safe and unharmed.
A search for the helicopter began on Tuesday morning after officials lost contact with the aircraft shortly after take-off on Monday.
The provincial police's spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says they became stranded in thick bush after their GPS device ran out of battery power, leaving officials unable to relocate the helicopter.
“A suspected missing helicopter incident involving a contracted aircraft that was supporting an anti-poaching operation in the Kruger National Park on Monday has been found with all crew members safe.”
Anti-poaching mission crew found safe after overnight ordeal
The helicopter, carrying four crew members, was deployed to assist with a crime scene investigation following the discovery of rhino carcasses.
On board were two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensics unit, a SANParks Environmental Investigator, and a private pilot.
"Efforts to re-establish contact with the crew were successful. This included aerial and ground search teams, supported by advanced technology to assist in navigating the challenging terrain. SANParks can confirm all four are now safe and healthy."
Mdhluli earlier said that a second helicopter equipped with night-vision technology, along with drones, was deployed to aid the search.
“Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn. However, the drones continued their search throughout the night.”
Durban pilot Leeché Manuel dies
In February, a young Durban pilot died during a training flight on a light aircraft in the North West.
Leeché Manuel, a 24-year-old student was on a routine flight from Johannesburg with his instructor when the aircraft crashed in Klipgat.
They both succumbed to their injuries.
Manuel’s sister said her brother was just two hours away from qualifying as a flight instructor and that the family had planned on throwing a big celebration for him in Durban.
Last year two pilots lost their lives when their light aircraft crashed in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
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