Cape Town – The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has confirmed the discovery of a gyrocopter wreckage in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, following a manhunt for missing pilot Gerhard Minnaar.
Minnaar was last seen taking off from Nelspruit Airport on Tuesday morning.
ARCC Chief of Operations Gregory Critchley said An extensive search and rescue operation involved collaboration between the ARCC, the South African Police Service Airwing, SARZA (a volunteer rescue unit), and local pilots.
The wreckage was located using drones and a police aircraft, but unfortunately, Minnaar was found deceased with fatal injuries.
“The ARCC promptly initiated the official search and rescue operation to locate the missing pilot, collaborating with the South African Police Service Airwing, SARZA (a volunteer search and rescue unit), local pilots, and ground assistance.
“The aerial search and rescue (SAR) operation, which utilised drones and a South African Police Service (SAPS) aircraft, located the wreckage of a light aircraft that matched the description of the missing gyrocopter in the primary search area.
“Unfortunately, the pilot, who was the only occupant, was found to have sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” Critchley said.
The investigation into the accident has been handed over to the police and the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
