A pilot and passenger survived after their Rockwell 500S aircraft crash-landed in a cemetery near George on Saturday morning, following a reported double engine failure.
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed in a statement that the aircraft was en route from Vereeniging Airport to George Airport when it experienced engine failure about 15 kilometres from its destination.
“The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirms an accident that involved a Rockwell 500S with registration ZS-IZN at the George Airport, Western Cape, earlier this morning.
“Preliminary information indicates a double engine failure that occurred approximately 15 km from the airport, with the aircraft crash landing in a nearby cemetery, around the Thembalethu township,” AIID said.
AIID added that both the pilot and a passenger on board were injured in the crash and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
“The aircraft departed from the Vereeniging Airport en route to the George Airport with two occupants on board – one pilot and a passenger. Both occupants were taken to a nearby hospital”.
“AIID will publish a preliminary report on the SACAA website within 30 days of this accident.”
The George crash comes just a week after another aviation incident made headlines. Last week, reported that a light aircraft crashed into the ocean along Durban North Beach, near Suncoast Casino, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The aircraft was participating in an airshow held at Virginia Airport when it went down during its final display.
Despite a coordinated response involving SAPS, Metro Police Search and Rescue, NSRI, ALS Paramedics, and other emergency teams, pilot 61‑year‑old Andrew Blackwood‑Murray has still not been found, and the search continues.
The operation has transitioned from rescue to recovery, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area. Battery Beach has been temporarily closed to facilitate the ongoing search.
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