Probes launched after two training aircraft crash in Gauteng just a day apart
Two plane crashes occurred in Gauteng in the space of 24 hours, with a Bell 230 helicopter crashing at Rand Airport on Tuesday and a Piper Cherokee 140 going down near Grand Central Airport on Wednesday morning.
Image: City of Ekurhuleni
Motorists were shocked after a light aircraft crashed in Midrand, Gauteng, on Wednesday morning.
Two people were on the aircraft at the time of the incident.
According to a statement released by the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID), the incident involved a Piper Cherokee 140 fixed-wing aircraft.
“AIID confirms reports of an accident involving a Piper Cherokee 140 fixed-wing (registration ZS-XPR) in Midrand, Gauteng, this morning, Wednesday, February 4, 2026,” it said.
The AIID said it was a training flight that departed from the Grand Central Airport and confirmed the accident occurred within a nearby Midrand location.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
“On board the aircraft was the flight instructor and a student pilot, with both crew members sustaining serious injuries and being rushed to the hospital. The aircraft was substantially damaged,” it said.
The AIID currently remains on-site for its investigation and said it will be issuing a preliminary report within 30 days of the incident.
The AIID is also investigating a Bell 230 helicopter crash that occurred at the Rand Airport, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
Based on information gathered so far, the crew — comprising a flight instructor and a student pilot — was conducting engine-out emergency training exercises in the airport’s general flying area.
During one such exercise, following a simulated engine failure, the crew was unable to restore engine power in time. Control of the aircraft was subsequently lost, resulting in a hard impact with the ground, after which the helicopter rolled over.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. One crew member suffered minor injuries, while the other sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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