Missing Helicopter Crew Spends Night In Kruger Bush After Emergency Landing

All four people who went missing aboard a helicopter in the Kruger National Park have been found alive and unharmed.

The group — a pilot, two South African Police Service investigators and an environmental crime investigator — was located on Tuesday morning after spending the night in the bush.

Forced Landing Leaves Crew Stranded Overnight

According to police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli, the helicopter made a safe landing in a remote area on Monday.

However, the crew became disoriented while trying to navigate through dense bush and were unable to find their way out.

“The group, which includes the pilot and two SAPS investigators, along with an Environmental Crime Investigator, had safely landed in a remote area on Monday, but as they attempted to navigate through thick bush, they could not,” Mdhluli said.

After an overnight search operation, the group was spotted by a SANParks helicopter.

“After spending the night in the bushes, they were spotted this morning by a search team using a helicopter from SANParks, as they waved for assistance,” Mdhluli said.

All four occupants were confirmed to be in good condition following their rescue.

Helicopter Disappeared During Investigation

The helicopter had initially gone missing on Monday after being dispatched to investigate the discovery of an animal carcass inside the park.

It departed at around 9am but failed to return as scheduled. “The chopper disappeared during an investigation after a report was brought to the attention of law enforcers that there was a carcass that was discovered hence the probe to find out circumstances thereof,” Mdhluli said.

Attempts to contact the crew by radio and mobile phone were unsuccessful, possibly due to poor signal and the aircraft flying at low altitude.

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Authorities launched an extensive search operation, deploying a helicopter equipped with night vision as well as drones.

However, poor weather conditions forced the helicopter to withdraw, while drones continued searching through the night.

“It was only in the evening that it was realised something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them,” Mdhluli added.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.