I heard on the news that two Piaggio 166 “Albatross” went missing last night on a flight from an airshow in the Lowveld to Johannesburg. There are possibly 14 people on board between the two of them. They should have arrived in Johannesburg last night. The planes were ex SAAF sold to the public when they revised their fleet in the 1990s. Keep you posted, just hope that there is a positive outcome especially that there are kids amongst the passengers. There is poor weather in the interior of S.A. at the moment.
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th August 2011 at 21:00
There was a “missing man formation” flypast yesterday by the “Flying Lions”. I wasn’t able to stay for that but will try dig up the photos. Anyway there was a photo in tonight’s paper.
By: nJayM - 19th August 2011 at 20:07
It is worse when two go together
It is worse when two go together.
I know about tight small communities and how it hits when someone is lost tragically, the pain is indescribable.
Ralph – my thoughts are with you all.
By: Newforest - 19th August 2011 at 19:44
Brings it closer to home for more of us, thanks.
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th August 2011 at 18:19
I was at Rand Airport yesterday with my kid. The airport was the home of the two Piaggios and this is a picture of the foyer; the aviation community here is small and close knit and there is a lot of solidarity:
By: nJayM - 17th August 2011 at 21:03
What a tragedy Condolences to those bereaved and RIP to those lost
What a tragedy Condolences to those bereaved and RIP to those lost.
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th August 2011 at 18:29
Tragically, didn’t the SAAF HS 125 fleet fly in to Table Mountain in similar circum stances many years ago? Very sad day though.
Yes, I wrote it into the Wikipedia page,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Town_International_Airport#Accidents_and_incidents
By: The Blue Max - 16th August 2011 at 22:24
So terribly sad, met Frans Dely and his daughter out in Al Ain a few years ago, nice guy and a great Photographer. Dennis Spence was also with us on that trip. As always thoughts are with the families of those involved.
By: Newforest - 16th August 2011 at 21:47
The list of the deceased has been published, extremely sad.
* Brian Gruar – Pilot of 1st Aircraft – from Johannesburg
* Kevin Woolacott – Air Show Co-ordinator/Capital Sound – from Durban
* Frans Dely – aviation photographer from Cape Town
* Marianne Anderson – Brian Gruar’s partner – Jhb
* Madison Doak – niece of Anderson – from Jhb
* Alexandra Doak – niece of Anderson – from Jhb
* Tess Spence – wife of airline/arobatic pilot Dennis Spence
* Louisa Warden – wife of jet display pilot Glen Warden – Jhb
* Peter Geldenhuis – Pilot of 2nd Aircraft Pilot – Jhb
* Peter Oldenborgh – Geldenhuis’ co-pilot – Jhb
* Stewart Oldenborgh- Peter’s son, a Grade 9 pupil at Grahamstown’s St. Andrews College
* Maritjie de Wet – Girlfriend of Peter Geldenhuis – Jhb
* Linda Pearce – Fiancé of African Pilot Magazine Editor, Athol Frans. Jhb
By: ozplane - 16th August 2011 at 14:40
Tragically, didn’t the SAAF HS 125 fleet fly in to Table Mountain in similar circum stances many years ago? Very sad day though.
By: low'n'slow - 16th August 2011 at 13:45
Desperately sad, thoughts are with family and friends.
By: Mpacha - 16th August 2011 at 13:07
Well known aviation photographer, Frans Dely was one of them. RIP
Very sad. 🙁
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th August 2011 at 12:20
From your man on the spot, bad news, they found both wreckages this morning, no survivors. They were about 100 to 200 yards apart and had flown directly into a vertical cliff. Weather is definitely a factor as we had a cold front go across the country the last few days and there were a few snowflakes in Johannesburg yesterday (rare occurrence). So far 13 victims, and from what I gather the pilots were quite experienced guys, although I haven’t heard their names yet. I believe the wives of two senior South African Airways pilots may have been amongst the victims.
RIP and condolences to the families. 🙁
BTW I am on vacation in Johannesburg right now.
By: Newforest - 15th August 2011 at 15:45
The prognosis is not looking good, weather woudl seem to be a factor. 🙁
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Durban-air-show-co-ordinators-on-plane-20110815
ASN already, a report which will obviously be amended in the near future.
By: TonyT - 15th August 2011 at 12:24
🙁
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August 15, 2011 at 10:49 am