Two people escaped with minor injuries after their light aircraft crash-landed in the Cape Point Nature Reserve on Thursday 10 February.
South African National Parks (SANParks) Regional Communications Manager Lauren Howard-Clayton confirmed that a light aircraft crashed along Link Road in the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park at approximately 13:40.
“All emergency personnel were immediately informed and responded timeously. The light aircraft had two occupants who suffered minor injuries, and were transported to hospital for further examination. We’d like to wish the occupants a speedy recovery during this time.”
Link Road and Olifantsbos Road were temporarily closed to the public. “A big thank you to the TMNP staff, the South African Airforce, Cape Medical Response, Simon’s Town Police, Metro Search and Rescue, and the Simon’s Town fire and rescue services for your prompt response,” she said.
According to a statement by the Cape medical response unit, the light aircraft experienced mechanical failure over the Oilfantsbos Beach area.
“At 13:22, Cape medical response paramedics and ambulances were dispatched to Olifantsbos Road in Cape Point Nature Reserve following reports that a light aircraft had crashed.
“On arrival, medics found one light aircraft with two occupants. The light aircraft had suffered mechanical failure while flying over the Olifantsbos Beach area.”
According to the statement, the pilot managed to glide the aircraft to the Olifantsbos tar Road to execute an emergency landing where the aircraft veered off the roadway into the bush.
“On scene, medics treated two patients, an adult male and an adult female, with minor injuries. Both patients were transported to a local Cape Town Hospital by CMR ambulance for further care.
“Thank you to the additional services on scene: a military BK helicopter that was conducting training in the area and heard the distress call and responded to assist, City of Cape Town fire & rescue, the police and Table Mountain National Park rangers,” read the statement.
Tanya Bussio-Kemp commented on a Facebook post that she heard loud sounds coming over Kommetjie.
“I heard it come over Kommetjie and thought to myself it sounded rather loud and low, now I know why. Oh my goodness, just hope the two patients will be okay.”
Tammi Argent commented that she was one of the occupants in the aircraft.
“Captain Thomas Crook and myself were the occupants. The best captain in the world.”
In a separate comment Crook thanked the emergency units that responded to his mayday call.
“I would like to thank the Saaf pilots and CMR response unit who were so professional and responded to our mayday call immediately. We are all good. Thank all involved in our rescue.”
