Pilot dies after light aircraft crashes near Pretoria

JOHANNESBURG - A pilot has died after a light aircraft crash near Pretoria.

The plane had taken off from the Kitty Hawk Aerodrome - a privately owned airfield - on Saturday but crashed less than 5 kilometres from the runway.

South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) spokesperson Sisa Majola said the pilot was the only person on board.

“The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, was declared dead by the emergency services. The aircraft itself was substantially damaged. The site was secured on Saturday and guarded by the South African Police Service and a private security company overnight.”

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.