Tragedy struck the aviation community as three lives were lost in a recent aircraft mishap near eMalahleni. Among the victims were two promising cadet pilots from the Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation, domiciled in Mbombela, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. The incident, occurring near Witbank Airfield on Sunday, April 21st, has left an indelible mark on all who knew them.
Themba Maebela, aged 34, and Donald Malekutu, aged 29, both hailed from Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation’s Mbombela base, tragically lost their lives in the crash. The severity of the impact rendered them unrecognisable. A third individual, yet to be formally identified pending DNA analysis, also perished in the accident.
The lone survivor, a 40-year-old male, now fights for his life in the intensive care unit of Witbank Provincial Hospital, grappling with severe burn injuries. His condition remains critical, necessitating intubation as medical professionals strive to stabilise him.
The fateful incident, which transpired around 15:40, involved a Cessna 172 belonging to the Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation. The aircraft met its demise shortly after departure from Witbank Airfield, engulfed in flames upon impact, as confirmed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID).
While details surrounding the accident remain scant, Linton Rensburg, spokesperson for the Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture, emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the Sacaa to ascertain the cause. However, due to the preliminary nature of the investigation, further specifics cannot be disclosed at this juncture.
A sense of somber anticipation looms over the aviation community as they await the findings of the internal investigation. A preliminary report is slated for release within 30 days from the date of the tragedy, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the heartbreaking loss of lives.
