The pilot for the ER24 Discovery Medicopter was informed of a possible light Aircraft crash in the vicinity of the Lanseria airport where the Medicopter is based. They immediately activated ground emergency units to the area, while they obtained authorisation to lift off and determine the exact location of the crash site.
It is believed that the pilot experienced some sort of mechanical failure of the light aircraft and was forced to make an emergency landing. Fortunately for them, there are a number of open fields in the area, near the Cradle of Humankind in Kromdraai. The pilot landed the aircraft near the road, but he also had to keep in mind the tricky, high fences that surround the fields in the area.
All three occupants on board were very lucky, but the pilot was complaining of pain to his back and neck. The Discovery Medicopter then loaded the patient for transport to the military hospital in Pretoria where he would undergo further assessment for his injuries.
The other two aircraft passengers were shaken, but they decided they would not need medical attention immediately, rather choosing to go to hospital at a later stage if the need arose.
Vanessa Jackson
ER24
