The light aircraft that hit into a light pole after an emergency landing in Gqeberha on Thursday. Picture: Yusuf Abramjee/X
Three people escaped unharmed after a light aircraft crashed into a light pole in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday afternoon.
It is believed a Piper Lance or Saratoga light aircraft, with a pilot and two passengers on board made an emergency landing at around 4pm.
"The 75-year-old male pilot alleged that the aircraft was low on fuel and he was forced to make an emergency landing in Ysterhout Street in Algoa Park," said provincial police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge.
Beetge said a pothole and speed bump in the road caused the aircraft to serve and crash into a light pole.
"The aircraft wings and tail section were damaged in the incident. No injuries were reported by the pilot and his two passengers, two men aged 33 and 43," Beegte said.
He added that no pedestrians to traffic was affected by the landing of the aircraft.
"After the scene was declared safe by the fire department, the aircraft was released to its owner to be salvaged," Beetge said.
In April, a FlySafair plane had to make an emergency landing after it lost a wheel.
IOL reported that Flight FA212, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, had to turn back due to a technical problem.
"The plane, bound for Cape Town, reportedly suffered damage to one of its rear tyres during take-off. This was spotted by ground staff at OR Tambo and the flight crew was alerted. The decision was made to return to Johannesburg," Acsa said in a statement.
Staff were praised for how they handled the situation.
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