4HolerPoler
23rd Mar 2006, 05:08
Mechanic suing SANDF for R8.5m
A former trainee mechanic in the defence force says his dream of becoming a pilot was shattered when he was severely injured in a helicopter crash in 1999. Gert Johannes Etsebeth, 30, of Port Elizabeth is claiming more than R8.5m in damages from the minister of defence and the chief of the national defence force (SANDF). The lawsuit, being heard in Pretoria High Court, was postponed indefinitely on Wednesday by Transvaal deputy Judge-President Jerry Shongwe. Etsebeth said in affidavits that on September 2 1999 and while he was a trainee mechanic, he was an authorised observer on board an Alouette helicopter piloted by Major K Newman. As the helicopter neared Red Rock in Port Elizabeth, the engines failed and it made a crash landing. Etsebeth said the accident was caused by the negligence of SANDF employees, who failed to properly maintain the engines.
He said the SANDF also failed to investigate two prior incidents, when the aircraft yawed to the right in forward flight while "a strange noise" was heard. Etsebeth claimed Major Newman did not receive sufficient training in the emergency landing skills of an Alouette helicopter. ;) Etsebeth's right arm and leg were broken in two places, the base of his skull was fractured, his pelvis was broken and he had severe back injuries. He had to use crutches for two years. He said he had severe pain and he could walk and stand only for short periods. His dream was to become a pilot, he said, but now he could do only light duties. He is claiming damages for pain and suffering and loss of income.
The SANDF said Etsebeth was a permanent member of the force and the accident happened in the scope of his employment. The SANDF argued that Etsebeth could not claim damages as the case was a matter for the compensation commissioner.
A former trainee mechanic in the defence force says his dream of becoming a pilot was shattered when he was severely injured in a helicopter crash in 1999. Gert Johannes Etsebeth, 30, of Port Elizabeth is claiming more than R8.5m in damages from the minister of defence and the chief of the national defence force (SANDF). The lawsuit, being heard in Pretoria High Court, was postponed indefinitely on Wednesday by Transvaal deputy Judge-President Jerry Shongwe. Etsebeth said in affidavits that on September 2 1999 and while he was a trainee mechanic, he was an authorised observer on board an Alouette helicopter piloted by Major K Newman. As the helicopter neared Red Rock in Port Elizabeth, the engines failed and it made a crash landing. Etsebeth said the accident was caused by the negligence of SANDF employees, who failed to properly maintain the engines.
He said the SANDF also failed to investigate two prior incidents, when the aircraft yawed to the right in forward flight while "a strange noise" was heard. Etsebeth claimed Major Newman did not receive sufficient training in the emergency landing skills of an Alouette helicopter. ;) Etsebeth's right arm and leg were broken in two places, the base of his skull was fractured, his pelvis was broken and he had severe back injuries. He had to use crutches for two years. He said he had severe pain and he could walk and stand only for short periods. His dream was to become a pilot, he said, but now he could do only light duties. He is claiming damages for pain and suffering and loss of income.
The SANDF said Etsebeth was a permanent member of the force and the accident happened in the scope of his employment. The SANDF argued that Etsebeth could not claim damages as the case was a matter for the compensation commissioner.