Training aircraft fly again after accident
Date: 28 January 2008
The following is a rough translation of an article that appeared in the Beeld newspaper:
By Erika Gibson
The airforces' Pilatus Astra training aircraft can fly again.
The airforce has announced that the flight safety review that temporary withdrew the aircraft from service was withdrawn yesterday.
According to the airforce, they would not have lifted the precautionary measure if there was any associated risk.
One of the aircraft was in involved in the accident last week in which Lt. Col. Chris Meiring (58) died.
The remaining 30 Astras in the operational 'pool' were grounded shortly thereafter so that they could be technically inspected for any potential faults.
The precautionary measure is usually used if there is any doubt as to the precise cause of an accident.
The temporary withdrawal can also be performed so that the investigation team can determine the preliminary causes after the accident.
The official board of investigation then performs the full investigation.
Meiring crashed shortly after take-off when he was on the way to AFB Langebaanweg where the aircraft was to undergo maintenance. The aircraft crashed after rolling.
In such a situation, it would have been dangerous to use the ejection seat, as the seat could shoot into the ground.
It is understood that the seat was found outside the wreck and that he may have used the ejection seat.
He was attended at the scene, but died shortly thereafter.
According to informers, indications are that structural or engine problems could have led to the accident.
