-Staff Writer / Fri, 02 Jan 2026
A light aircraft accident south of Bloemfontein in the Free State has claimed the life of the pilot.
The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirmed on Friday.
“The ARCC was alerted this morning to a reported light aircraft accident to the south of Bloemfontein, and first responders were immediately dispatched,” said ARCC Chief of Operations Gregory Critchley.
Emergency medical services, together with Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA) Free State, responded swiftly to the scene. On arrival, rescuers found that the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, had suffered fatal injuries.
The accident occurred on Friday morning, 2 January 2026. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the type of aircraft involved or the circumstances leading up to the crash.
The scene has since been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID), which will conduct a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Critchley extended condolences to the bereaved family and friends, describing the incident as tragic. He also praised the coordinated response by emergency services, thanking Trauma Response Africa, Rocket HEMS, Netcare 911, SARZA Free State, SAPS and the Free State Department of Health for their professionalism.
The ARCC operates under the South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Act and coordinates aeronautical and maritime rescue operations under the Department of Transport.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
