SAAF Grounds A109 Fleet.

The SAAF has grounded its A109 fleet after an accident yesterday involving a tail rotor failure. These aircraft were supposed to be part of a fly past in Pretoria today but they will no longer take part.

Below is the Press release of the accident.

Date of release: 15 December 2010

Embargo: None

Subject: AUGUSTA A109 HELICOPTER CRASHES NEAR DURBAN

The Department of Defence wishes to confirm that a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) helicopter (Augusta (sic) A109) has crashed during an exercise involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) today.

The helicopter was conducting an assessment of crime high risk areas and the identification of accurate navigation coordinates in and around Durban. The crew was accompanied by members of Business Against Crime

The SANDF is currently deployed in all provinces in support of the SAPS in Operation DUTY CALLS. The operation is aimed at supporting the SAPS in combating crime over the festive period which began in 01 December 2010 and ends on 28 January 2011.

During the flight, the pilot lost control of the helicopter and had to execute an emergency landing. There were no serious injuries reported, but the commander of the aircraft and a civilian member were taken to the Ballito Hospital (Durban) for observation.