Pilot Killed in Free State Light Aircraft Crash as Aviation Accidents Rise
Bloemfontein – A pilot has died in a light aircraft crash in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Friday morning, 2 January 2026. The accident is under investigation by both the police and aviation authorities.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was fatally injured in the crash. The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirmed they were alerted to the incident just after 10am.
Gregory Critchley, spokesperson for the ARCC, stated, "The ARCC immediately notified the Free State early warning network of first responders to the location. Emergency medical services and SARZA Free State arrived on the scene, where it was found that the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft had suffered fatal injuries during the accident."
Critchley added that the scene has been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) for an official investigation.
Critchley extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the pilot following the "terrible" accident. He also expressed gratitude to the first responders for their professional service, specifically mentioning Trauma Response Africa, VR MED, Mangaung Fire and Rescue, Fire Ops, Rocket HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service-Standby), Netcare 911, SARZA Free State, SAPS, and the Free State Department of Health.
This tragic incident comes amid growing concerns regarding the increase in aircraft accidents across South Africa. In December of last year, the SACAA reported a concerning rise in aviation accidents. The report indicated that South Africa recorded at least 43 aircraft accidents, of which 12 were fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.
This figure represents a significant increase of ten fatal accidents compared to the same period at the end of November 2024. The SACAA has expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by the recent fatal general aviation (GA) accidents recorded across the country.
Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the SACAA, stated that the regulator is deeply concerned about these air crashes, noting a worrying resemblance to a trend observed in October 2008.
Providing a comparative overview, Majola said, "When compared to previous years, there were 131 accidents (four fatal with seven fatalities) in the 2024/25 financial year; 115 accidents resulted in 13 fatal accidents and 19 fatalities in the 2023/24 financial year; and 113 accidents resulting in nine fatal accidents and 12 fatalities in the 2022/23 financial year."
The SACAA's Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) is currently conducting independent investigations to ascertain the causal and contributory factors behind these accidents. The findings of these investigations are crucial for implementing preventative measures and enhancing aviation safety standards.
Majola highlighted some recurring factors that contribute to these incidents. He stated that experience-induced complacency, undue haste, and self-imposed pressure remain "significant contributors to avoidable accidents." The SACAA continues to urge pilots and aviation personnel to prioritise safety and adhere to regulations to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Follow Us on Twitter
