Updated at 10:00
SACAA communications manager Sisa Majola confirmed to Caxton Local Media that a team from their Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has been dispatched to the site ‘to collect evidence that will define the scope of the investigation’.
“AIID was informed of an accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft on a private flight between Mbombela and eMalahleni in Mpumalanga on Sunday. There were two pilots and two passengers on board the aircraft when the accident occurred.”
He confirmed three of the occupants were fatally injured, while one sustained serious injuries.
“The aircraft was destroyed by fire. “A preliminary report will be issued 30 days from the day of the accident,” Majola concludes.
Initial story at 09:00
It has been reported that three people died in a light aircraft crash outside eMalahleni, yesterday.
The tragedy happened just after take-off at 15:40, and it is said the aircraft crashed at a local mine.
Legacy Emergency Medical Services, SAPS, and Emalahleni Fire Department were dispatched to the crash site.
Gavin Cooper from Legacy says they transported one patient to Witbank Hospital.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” Cooper adds.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is said to be investigating the crash.
