Man survives plane crash

Craig Lambinon of Sea Rescue communications in Oyster Bay said they were alerted on Wednesday of a light aircraft accident initially believed to be near Plettenberg Bay.

“An emergency response was activated and the ARCC (Air Rescue Coordination Centre) of the ATNS (Air Traffic and Navigation Services) were alerted and they assumed command of a search and rescue operation for the light aircraft, a Cessna 186, with three persons onboard and believed to have departed Wonderboom, Pretoria, earlier, refuelling at Graaff Reinet and overdue for arrival at Plettenberg Bay Airport,” said Lambinon.

ARCC, An SA Air Force 15 Squadron – Charlie Flight helicopter, the EMS/AMS Skymed helicopter, WC Government Health EMS, NSRI St Francis Bay, NSRI Oyster Bay, Humansdorp Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services, Private Care ambulance services and a security company were all involved in the search.

A private pilot in his aircraft from Plettenberg Bay volunteered to assist in a search.

“NSRI Plettenberg Bay set up a JOCC (Joint Operations Control Centre) at Plettenberg Bay Airport and family awaiting the arrival of the light aircraft were assisted by NSRI and Police,” said Lambinon.

During a search the aircraft was found on a hill top on the Palmietvlei Mountains.

“NSRI rescuers hiked to the crash scene from the nearest road location and later paramedics were airlifted to the crash scene aboard a SAAF 15 Squadron Charlie Flight BK-119 helicopter,” said Lambinon.

“One man, a 50 year old, believed to be the pilot, was airlifted by the SAAF helicopter to hospital in Port Elizabeth in a stable but critical condition in the care of paramedics.

“A Jack Russel dog has been recovered from the scene not injured and the dog has been taken into the care of Police to be returned to family.”

Civil Aviation Authority will investigate the accident, said Lambinon.