Woman dies after crop-spraying helicopter crashes near Patensie, Eastern Cape
The aftermath of the crash
Image: SUPPLIED
A 43-year-old woman was killed in a helicopter crash on a farm outside Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday morning.
According to Eastern Cape police, it is alleged that a female crop duster died instantly when the Robinson helicopter crashed onto the Roodegrond farm after hitting power lines.
Patensie is a small farming town in the Eastern Cape.
It lies about 90km west of Gqeberha and roughly 25km from Hankey, at the entrance to the scenic Baviaanskloof Valley.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said an inquest docket had been opened to investigate the cause of the crash.
"It is believed that the freak accident occurred at 7:45 am, when the helicopter was spraying crops."
He said the identity of the deceased pilot will be withheld until formal identification is completed.
A local farmer, Ruan Scheepers, told IOL that it was one of his workers who alerted him to the aviation accident.
"On my way to the scene, I called my neighbour to inform the authorities.
"When I arrived at the scene, I saw the aftermath of the crash."
Scheepers said it was a frightening ordeal and conveyed his condolences to the family.
Private security company Exec Ops said they also responded to the scene.
"Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and ongoing investigations, no further details can be shared at this stage.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy."
*This is a developing story*
IOL News