Microlight accident

[Gunship]

From News 24

Two people were killed in a microlight aircraft accident on the N1 highway, Free State police said on Sunday

Police spokesperson, inspector Stephen Thakeng, said the accident happened at 08:15 about two kilometres from the Vaal Plaza tollgate.

"The microlight apparently took off from Johannesburg. According to witnesses it looked like the pilot tried to make an emergency landing but one of the wings hit some power lines next to the road," said Thakeng.

He said the pilot and his passenger died at the scene.

Thakeng said traffic was not disrupted, but police and traffic officials were still at the scene waiting for the Civil Aviation Authority.

[jetjoke]

I watched the SABC 3 news at 7 and was quite disturbed to see the scene of the accident with the 2 bodies laying in between the crumpled remains.

I think the SABC should show a little more sensitivity and common sense.

Firstly,they stated on the news story that the next of kin still had to be informed and therefore could not name the crew involved. So how can they show these scenes when the family may be viewing it?

Secondly, we do not (in most cases) get to witness bodies in the wreckage of car/minibus accidents or the body parts strew around after a suicide bombing in Iraq. So why do they show this in a microlight accident?

It is MY opinion but I feel that the SABC displayed poor judgement and as an avid aviator, I really feel for the families. My thoughts go out to them

R.I.P to the crew

[B Sousa]

Jetjoke
As much as I agree with you and in most civilised parts of the world it is done that way. However, newsies are newsies and bland stuff just does not get the ratings. Matters not if its in the paper or the tube they will push the limits. AND people with their morbid curiosity will flock to see it. I got my knuckles rapped by the mods some time back for listing a website that is well known for this stuff.
Personal opinion is if you dont like it, dont look.
Sad but true as to microlights, but they do have bad stats when it comes to flying. Mainly because anyone with a big set of balls can go out and fly around, experience and training are not really necessary items. That may play a factor in this one also.

[MicroFlyer]

"Mainly because anyone with a big set of balls can go out and fly around..."

It is a statement as the above which makes me furious, to say the least. Why does this misconception about Microlight Aviation exist? Firstly, as both Microlight & Private Pilot, let me clarify the facts about Microlight Aviation in South-Africa. Sadly, a big set of balls is not nearly enough to go fly a microlight. One requires a minimum of 25 hours, of which at least 15 must be solo, a restricted radio licence, and one needs to pass 8 written exams.

Because of their MAUW, Microlight aircraft are extremely sensitive to weather. Only those who have flown them will know exactly how sensitive they are compared to the smallest light aircraft. It's this sensitivity that gives microlight pilots great understanding of weather - far greater than that of the Average Private or Commercial Pilot.

There are no words to describe the sadness of yesterday's accident.

Sincere condolences to the families and friends of those involved.

[tusker]

Quite right Mr Sousa, look at the qualifications of the instructors and you will see the reason. "Monkey see monkey do" mentality and with some exceptions, we are in our own world so let the "Lager mentality" rule, ; you only have to look at gatherings like the "Bush pilots" in Barberton and you will see where it originates. Personally, I prefer the Brazilian thing to the Bush Pilot thing.
Cheers
Tusker

[I.R.PIRATE]

Personally, I have no problem with a news report showing the bodies of the crash. I also believe they should show car accident victims. The main problem on our roads for example, is the wrong attitude, this is also the case in many flying accidents. I am not for one second speaking about this prang specifically, so put away your crosses. However, by showing and shocking and people, with pictures of the aftermath, I would hope people would try and change their attitudes. By hearing a news report of another taxi accident that claimed 22 lives, we really dont comprehend the extent of the human tragedy. Show the pictures, and people will learn.

[Stayinalive]

Tend to agree with Jetjoke on this one. Typical SABC incompetant journalism..had the same a while back with some friends in an accident near Wonderboom. Total distortion of the facts as well as graphic immages that makes one think will attract people to watch the trash they dish up. I wonder if they reported the Microlight going off Radar screens...would not be surprised. RIP

[B Sousa]

"Mainly because anyone with a big set of balls can go out and fly around..."

It is a statement as the above which makes me furious, to say the least.

Micro flyer.
Dont get so upset, Ive been flying for 35+ years, even jumped from a few. Had Cobras in manuvers you wouldnt do to your best girlfriend and I still wouldnt get in one of those kites with a model airplane engine on the back.....Just a personal opinion, nothing more.. Anyway, maybe just an excuse as my balls are not that big.......
The fact that you have to take 8 exams has nothing to do with safety, its the archaic licensing system you have here in SA. Maybe one of the exams should cover flying by roads as they seem to always have powerlines.

[I.R.PIRATE]

Bloemfontein - The names of two Gauteng men killed in a microlight crash on the N1 near Parys in the Free State over the weekend were released by police on Monday.

Police spokesperson Inspector Stephen Thakeng said they were Joseph Damee-Duval, 34, and Fakir Jeena, 52, from Ridgeway in Johannesburg.

The two-seat microlight was on its way from Johannesburg to Parys when it crashed on Sunday at 08:15 on the N1 near the Vaal Plaza tollgate.

"According to witnesses the pilot tried to make an emergency landing when a wing hit an electrical power line. It crashed onto the N1 road," said Thakeng.

The men died at the scene. The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the accident.

The bodies were taken to the Bloemfontein state mortuary for post-mortems.



RIP

[oompilot]

I.R.Pirate, as an example, not sure if you would really like to see your decapitated son’s body lying on the road while watching the 6 o’clock news. In SA we see so much death from so many different sources that people have become complacent toward the sight of gruesome deaths. Not sure if seeing another would help, but it certainly will degenerate societies values a little farther.

[SA Fred]

One requires a minimum of 25 hours, of which at least 15 must be solo, a restricted radio licence, and one needs to pass 8 written exams.

Go figure.... Have flown with many people 10 times as qualified who incapable of coping with a basic emergency...

[I.R.PIRATE]

Just did some research to find out what those 8 written exams are.

1. Lawnmower basic training

2. Lawnmower engine technical

3. Cling wrap, and its aviation uses

4. How to pole.....literally

5. Farts....and other life threatening wind forms

6. How to pick up chicks...... without your ford escort

7. Using the word pilot.....without being laughed at.

8. Handling road traffic..... while towing your " plane"
Handling road traffic......while crashing your "plane"


All this is follwed by the Restricted Radio License, yes, the one thats restricts the use of any radio.

[B Sousa]

IRP.......Thats some serious salt in Micros wounds......Im sitting here ROTFLMFAO

[MicroFlyer]

I suspect we may have forgotten what the original post was about, and what the purpose thereof was. Two people lost their lives while attempting to land a microlight aircraft after an engine failure - the pilot was probably someone with a passion for Aviation, the one thing I believe we all have in common, regardless of what aircraft type we fly.

It is indeed sad to see that this common notion about microlight aviation exists, when in actual fact several supposedly well respected and established 'real' flight schools are run less professionally than the microlight school where I received my training. During the time I've flown 'real' aeroplanes, I've seen just as many, if not more incompetent pilots who will not be able to safely perform a basic emergency procedure.

As with many things in life, flying comes naturally to some, while others take longer to learn the skill required to safely pilot an aircraft.

Whatever the opinions of others might be, I have the utmost respect for Aviation in every form. :ok:

[Fliterisk]

This was a sad incident for many many reasons. Most of all for the families, secondly for "microlighters", and thirdly for aviation as a whole. Many microlight pilots go on to fly, as you all call it, "real aeries". Its an introduction to flying and very often affordability comes into it so while they would like to fly like you are they cant (excluding those who chose it for the "purity" of it).

There are all kinds of reasons to criticise but many many reasons to be unhappy about it.

IR Pirate, your post smacks of insensitivity, and a lack of awareness. There are many people here in SA (where you apparently are not), trying to do alot for microlight safety, and this incident puts everyone in a bad light. Maybe you think your post was funny, but I would suggest you choose another topic in which to post it. Start a new thread for your jokes!

[Seaton Approach]

Up here in the UAE microlights are kitted out with a rocket-jettisoned parachute as standard - is that not a requirement down there in SA.....?

[B Sousa]

"trying to do alot for microlight safety, and this incident puts everyone in a bad light."

And since this thread started another young man bought the farm in a micro lite.
Lets be a bit more careful boys and girls. This is serious stuff......
Anytime you get off the ground it becomes dangerous, just seems a bit more so in these "Pioneer Aircraft"

[gofor]

Seaton APP, as a matter of interest - how many lives have those BRS saved. I certainly know of none in the UAE but many have died there. Then again I would have the option of BRS if available on my type. Incidently the trikes in the UAE don't have BRS - only the Aeroprakts, as far as I am aware.

[Seaton Approach]

Hi gofor

Trikes here all have the BRS fitted (at least they do at the club where I fly). Jetfox, C42, C22, they're all equipped too...

Haven't got any back-up on the stats of lives saved vs fatalities though, like you, I have only ever heard of the fatalities.

Cheers,
SA. :ok: