A tragic accident occurred on Monday morning outside Patensie, where a female pilot lost her life in a helicopter crash.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli reported that the 43-year-old crop-duster pilot died instantly when the Robinson helicopter she was flying struck power lines on Roodegrond Farm. The incident happened around 7:45 a.m. while she was performing routine crop-spraying operations.
Authorities are withholding the pilot’s identity pending formal identification. An inquest docket has been opened, and investigators will examine the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine what led to this fatal accident.
The incident is a somber reminder of the risks faced by agricultural pilots, who often operate under challenging conditions. The community extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the pilot during this difficult time.
