Hout Bay Helicopter Crash: Pilot Survives Fiery Fall During Wildfire Operation

A vegetation fire that broke out along the slopes above Hout Bay quickly escalated into a high-risk emergency operation this week.

The blaze was first reported on Tuesday, just before 2pm, near Grotto Road, prompting an urgent response from the City’s Fire and Rescue Services. Spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said crews from Hout Bay Fire Station were immediately dispatched with a fire engine and water tanker.

As conditions worsened, additional firefighting resources were called in, including five more fire engines, two water tankers and an Incident Management Team to coordinate efforts.

Hout Bay Fire Spreads Across Mountain Ridge

Despite aggressive firefighting, the blaze intensified overnight, spreading across the mountain ridge towards Klein Constantia.

Officials reported multiple flare-ups as strong winds fanned the flames across the rugged terrain. Firefighters on the ground were supported by aerial teams, including helicopters and a fixed-wing spotter aircraft.

According to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), 37 crew members were deployed on the ground while aerial units continued waterbombing operations to contain the fire.

Helicopter Crashes Mid-Operation as Pilot Escapes Death

The situation took a dramatic turn when one of the helicopters assisting with waterbombing crashed into the mountainside.

Footage circulating online appears to show the aircraft ascending before one of its blades struck the mountain, sending it crashing down.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith confirmed the incident, saying the helicopter — contracted to assist SANParks — appeared to clip the mountain with its main rotor.

“While we were trying to assist SANParks with the fire burning above the Hout Bay and Constantia Nek, one of the SANParks-contracted helicopters seemed to have clipped the mountain with its main rotor and crashed on the mountain,” Smith said.

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Emergency teams were immediately deployed to the crash site, with rescue technicians navigating the steep mountain terrain to reach the wreckage. Law enforcement officers secured the area while authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority, prepared to take over the investigation.

In a remarkable turn, the pilot survived the crash. “The pilot survived. We immediately activated an ‘Incident Management Team 5’ and deployed rescue technicians up the mountain face,” Smith confirmed.

Authorities are continuing firefighting efforts while investigations into the crash get underway.