C172 Down in the Berg
 

I see the papers haven't got it yet, but more sad news today, A C172 crashed in the Cathedral Peak area of the Drakensberg this morning, killing the sole occupant on board. Apparently smoke was reported in the cockpit and the aircraft then descended below radar coverage and all contact was then lost.

Condolences to the loved ones

What the news site says about the crash
 

Jhb pilot dies in plane crash
28/10/2005 18:48


Johannesburg - A pilot was killed when his plane crashed at Cathedral Peak near the Lesotho border on Friday, KwaZulu-Natal police said.
Captain Joshua Gwala said the pilot was travelling alone from Gauteng to Margate in KwaZulu-Natal when he reported he was experiencing engine problems.

"This was at about 11:30. That was the last time that the air traffic control heard from him."

The plane crashed about three kilometres from the border on the Lesotho side. Police and emergency services were informed about the crash by people at Cathedral Peak.

"The police air-wing and rescue team from Durban flew to the scene with paramedics and managed to retrieve the body from the wreckage. The pilot was already dead by then," Gwala said.

The pilot was from Midrand near Johannesburg. His identity will only be revealed once his next-of-kin have been informed.

Gerard I think your comment about the Incident report is uncalled for.

There is no reason to think that the accident and the incident are in anyway related.

Condolences to all that knew Trevor. Very sad news

Hi there Little One,

I reported some person years ago to RR at the then DCA for doing shoot ups in an HS125 over a built up area (+- 400' AGL) (one of the pax confirmed this to me later) and a couple of years later this same person killed himself in a B206 accident (also doubtfull as to the circumstances...windgat?). Pushing it...that's all I can say from experience...I'm sure a lot of PPruners can attest to that. I'm not saying Trevor did it but if Gerard has the gaff it makes sence to me...for sure! Still its :sad: . Remember from a previous posting by a PPruner somewhere on these forums, survival in flying is about filling up the "Experience Bag" before the "Luck Bag" runs empty. Condolences to the family, I feel for them. :sad:

:)

I remember RR with a degree of great affection.
His flag strewn desk was always a source of mild amusement and conversation.
A rogue perhaps? Please give him my regards.:D

Hi all, I've now deleted my original post. I apologise for my last post. I did not realise the impact of my words and hope no further damage is done.

I'm sorry for all parties concerned.

BAKELA

Still in this instance there "SEEMS " to be no direct relation.

Bad airman or not is not our call here but the cause of the accident seems to be related to the onboard fire and not any airmanship

Wow :sad:

Just read that it was a fellow PPruner :{

Shiver just went down my spine. Although I never met Trevor, we spent many a phone call discussing the Robben Island fly-in. It was his dream to land there, perhaps something can still be done in his memory, even if, for now, it is a low and slow flypast.

Condolences to family, friends and fellow Pprune buddies.

:sad: RIP Trevor :sad:

Condolences to his friends and family.

What was his username ?

It was Rhodie :{

No man PLEASE do not tell me that :{ :{ :{

Ag neeeeeeeeeeeeeee :sad:

RIP Rhodie.

My sympathies to all friends and familes.

I saw this posting with no name and did not pay much attention. I have heard nothing until Dean Emailed me asking if Rhodie was Trevor. He was.

Trevor Robert Grant, a good friend of mine and a true Rhodie. I just flew with him a couple months ago in a 172 from Grand Central. We took a ride down to Parys and back. He loved flying and further loved life. He always joked that he was a Millionaire in Zim dollars.
I am still in shock.
He leaves behind one young daughter.

Its never easy to bid a fellow Pruner and aviator fairwell,Rhodie, tonight I shall charge a glass of Scotlands finest, and toast to your graduation: to the big blue yonder, where skies are blue, and seas are green.

" You only live once.But if you work it right, once is enough"

R.I.P.

My Condolences to family and friends.

A condolence thread is on JETBLAST (his other favourite spot) :ok: HERE

Still in total schock.

A guy that I really tried to meet but sadly missed every time.

Can someone give Francois Marais a ring please - he is in Umtata somewhere and out of reach on mail.

Cheers and many thanks

Gunss

R.I.P my mate, forever fly safely on your new silver wings.

This comes as a great shock. I'll miss your wit and wisdom, boet.:(

Definitely tilt a glass in your honour.:{

RIP mate...

And to think just three weeks before he was posting here about another C172 accident and highlighting the hazards of flying...

Didn't know you, Rhodie. But from the comments here, I think that's going to be my loss.

There cannot be many of us left who have shares in history.
Our paths crossed but never met, a pity indeed.

RIP Rhodie....... and condolences to friends and family.

ww