The following is the South African Air Force media release for the C-47 Dakota which crashed in the Drakensberg Mountain Range on 5 December.
MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 06 December 2012
EMBARGO: None
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE (SAAF) C-47
DAKOTA AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT IN THE DRAKENSBERG
MOUNTAIN
It is with regret and a great sense of loss that we
confirm the loss of South African Air Force (SAAF) members in an aircraft
accident which occurred on the 05 December 2012 in the area of Giants Castle
The South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft, flying
from Air Force Base Waterkloof at about 7.45am to Mthatha Airport on an
official tasking went missing around 9.45 am local time. After the expected
time of arrival and no communication from the aircraft, the SAAF activated a
search and rescue mission. Severe weather conditions in the area hindered the
continuation of the search and rescue effort.
At first light this morning the rescue team
continued their effort and located the wreckage in the Drakensberg Mountains
A board of inquiry has been convened to investigate
the circumstances surrounding the cause of the accident.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Hon
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke, and the
Chief of the Air Force Lt Gen Zimpande Msimang would like to convey their
sincere and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
Ends.
Issued by: Defence Corporate Communication
(Defence
Media Liaison)
Enquiries: Siphiwe Dlamini
Head
of Communication
083 645
42964
