Aeroplane Hits Man to Death

A 27-year-old South African man has died after being struck by the wing of a plane landing at the an airstrip in Mpumalanga.

According to a police spokesperson the incident took place on Monday morning 15 June.

The South African Police Service were called to attend the scene of an aviation incident at the Graskop airstrip.

It is believed that the man along with three colleagues, was making his way to work at a nearby construction company.

The deceased is said to have shouted a warning to his colleagues just before the plane struck him, ensuring the other three avoided danger.

Police have not indicated that there was any suggestion of negligence on the part of the pilot or airstrip management.

Emergency medical personnel attended the incident but the man was dead when they arrived on the scene.

“The police in Mpumalanga are investigating an inquest docket after the death of a 27-year-old man who was reportedly hit by the wing of a plane as it was landing today at Graskop,” SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said on Monday 15 June.

“According to information, four men employed by a Graskop based construction company were on their way to work and were allegedly utilising the Graskop Air Strip runway.

“Whilst on the runway, a PA 28-181 model airplane hit the man with the wing during landing.

“The police as well as the medical personnel were summoned to the scene where the victim was unfortunately certified dead.”

“Preliminary investigation has since revealed that before the horrific incident, the victim shouted and warned his fellow colleagues to move away from the runway as the plane was about to land.

“The report has also indicated that the four men, including the victim are from Gauteng and came to Graskop for employment.”

The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified about the incident and they will carry out an investigation on the cause of the collision.