The South African Air Force reported no fatalities after an Alouette III helicopter crashed at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing, previously Air Force Base Swartkop near Tshwane.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, according to SA Air Force spokeswoman Brig Gen Donavan Chetty.
“On 18 September 2024, at approximately 1pm, a helicopter incident occurred at Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing. No fatal injuries or fatalities occurred and the aircrew is in a satisfactory condition,” said Chetty.
The flight was part of the rehearsal for the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2024 currently taking place at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
“The South African Air Force and relevant authorities will initiate an investigation into the incident. The safety of our personnel and equipment remains our top priority,” said Chetty.
The SA Air Force committed that it would provide updates as more information becomes available around the incident.
“A board of inquiry will be convened to determine the cause of the incident as well as the state of damage to the aircraft,” said Chetty.
Chetty clarified that the helicopter experienced an “extremely” hard landing.
