[ad_1]
By Chevon Booysen 
17h ago
Cape Town: A South African National Parks (SANParks) helicopter is unlikely to be repaired after it crashed shortly after take-off at the weekend.
Over the weekend, SANParks spokesman Reynold Thakuli confirmed that his Airbus crashed on Saturday morning.
“The SANParks Airbus AS350B-3 + (Squirrel) helicopter was damaged after losing control during take-off from Cape Town International Airport.”
According to a statement, SANParks said that the pilot who was flying alone during the incident suffered only minor injuries and received medical attention.
“The aircraft is based in Cape Town to assist with air law enforcement and conservation management operations in and around Table Mountain National Park.
“The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and relevant law enforcement authorities have been notified of the accident and a full investigation into the cause of the accident will be initiated,” Thakuli said.
It added that the damage to the aircraft was substantial.
“The damages… will be determined next week in conjunction with the CAA, our insurers and the manufacturer of the aircraft. If it is repairable, which is unlikely, the repairs will likely be beyond cost.
“A new aircraft will be in the R40 million region. The aircraft is in a secure facility in Cape Town where the investigation will begin,” Thakuli said.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) did not respond to questions Sunday.
[email protected]Cape times
[ad_2]
