Training Helicopter Crashes In Alberton, Instructor Injured

A seven-seater helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Alberton, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday, leaving a flight instructor with minor injuries while the pilot escaped unharmed.

The incident occurred around midday at Kromvlei, outside Alberton, while the two were conducting a training session.

Emergency Crews Rush to Helicopter Crash Scene

City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson William Ntladi said the city’s Emergency Call Centre received the alert shortly before 2pm and immediately mobilised emergency teams.

“Two fire engines from two different fire stations within the CoE, augmented by eleven firefighters, promptly responded to the site of the crash,” Ntladi said.

He confirmed that a Bell 230 twin-engine helicopter was found lying on its side when responders arrived.

“On arrival, a Bell 230 twin-engine helicopter was found lying on its side. The flight instructor sustained shoulder injuries and some minor upper body lacerations, while the pilot escaped with no injuries. The injured was transported by private ambulance to a nearby hospital for definitive medical treatment,” Ntladi said.

Ntladi added that the helicopter had been engaged in training activities before the crash and that aviation authorities were called in to investigate.

“Aviation authorities were called to the scene to conduct a crash investigation.”

Recent Fatal Light Aircraft Crash in Free State

The Alberton incident follows a fatal aviation accident reported last month in the Free State, where a light aircraft crashed in Bloemfontein, killing the pilot who was the sole occupant.

Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) spokesperson Gregory Critchley said the centre was notified of the crash shortly after 10am.

“The ARCC immediately notified the Free State early warning network of first responders to the location. Emergency medical services and Sarza Free State arrived on the scene, where it was found that the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft had suffered fatal injuries during the accident,” Critchley said.

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He confirmed that the matter was handed over for formal investigation.

“The scene is being handed over to the Saps and SACAA Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AlID) for the official investigation,” he said.

Critchley expressed condolences to the pilot’s loved ones following what he described as a “terrible” accident.