Microlight crashes at school

Zeldah Mashele

Phalaborwa - A military microlight plane, piloted by a special forces commando, crash-landed in front of scores of surprised school children at a Limpopo high school on Wednesday.

The flimsy aircraft landed hard before skidding across Majeje High School's sports field and crashing nose first into a large anthill.

"The pilot seemed to know exactly what he was doing. It seemed that he had engine problems, and chose our sports field as his emergency landing strip," said principal Gilbert Mhlongo on Thursday.

"He was going very fast though, and couldn't avoid the anthill. There was a lot of dust, but I don't think he was seriously hurt."

Pupils, who were still milling about waiting for lessons to start, swamped the sports field to offer help or simply gawk at the crumpled plane. The still-unnamed pilot was rushed to hospital, but was released into army custody soon afterwards after being treated for minor cuts and bruises.

Inspector Pat Sambo of Lulekani police confirmed on Thursday that the aircraft was a military reconnaissance plane attached to 5 Special Forces regiment in Phalaborwa and had been doing navigation exercises in the area.

"We're not formally investigating, because no one was injured, but understand that it developed engine problems, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing," said Sambo.

Microlights are used by joint operation units of the defence force to scout potentially hostile terrain and patrol wilderness areas. The army's special forces regiments are home to South Africa's commando units, commonly known as 'Reccies', and are trained to conduct clandestine or high-risk missions. Lieutenant Ronald Maseko of the air force was unable to comment on the accident on Thursday, but said a formal inquiry would be held into any aviation mishap.

News24