Gauteng: Pilot dies after glider crashes at airport

A pilot has been pronounced dead after a side-motorized glider crashed at an airport west of Gauteng.

PILOT DIES AFTER GLIDER CRASHES IN GAUTENG

According to a report by Maroela Media, Gregory Critchley, head of the Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center (ARCC), confirmed that the accident took place on Saturday afternoon.

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Critchley said the necessary emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the accident occurred.

THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Gauteng EMS, Netcare911, the South African Police Service (SAPD), Sarza Gauteng, and GroundSAR were called.

Rocket HEMS, Halo Aviation, and the police emergency rescue helicopter were on standby should it be necessary to deploy these services.

THE PILOT DID NOT RESPOND AND WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD

“Gauteng EMS was first on the scene and examined the pilot. However, he did not respond and was later pronounced dead.

“The scene was subsequently secured and handed over to the SAPS and the Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Department (AIID) for further investigation.” – said Critchley.

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THE IDENTITY OF THE PILOT HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED

The deceased pilot’s identity has not yet been officially released.

Critchley nevertheless expressed his deepest condolences to the late pilot’s loved ones.

“Our thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this difficult time.”

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Meanwhile, a British Airways (BA) captain has been held at gunpoint and stabbed in a TERRIFYING attack after going for a run between flights in Johannesburg.

THE BRITISH AIRWAYS PILOT WAS STABBED WHILE JOGGING

According to a report by Daily Mail, the pilot had gone jogging with a crew member during downtime while on a stopover in Johannesburg.

It is believed they broke strict BA rules by leaving the security-approved compound which houses their crew hotel.

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THE PILOT WENT JOGGING WITH A CREW MEMBER DURING DOWNTIME

An armed man pulled a gun out when he attacked them. He then stabbed the pilot in his thigh.

The airline captain was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was given emergency medical attention.