A helicopter pilot has appeared in the Pretoria magistrate court for flying and crashing a helicopter while his license was suspended. It is alleged that on the 2nd of December last year, Rainier Prinsloo, whose license was suspended by the South African Civil Aviation Authority got involved in a helicopter crash at Baltimore in Limpopo. He and two other occupants including a young trainee pilot survived the crash.
Prinsloo is alleged to have been demonstrating a steep-turn to the left when the helicopter went into a spin and crashed. He was arrested on Monday the 29th, while consulting with the Civil Aviation Authority personnel to lift the suspension of his helicopter license. He faces charges of attempted murder and reckless operation of a helicopter. Prinsloo has been released on a warning and his case has been transferred to the Mokopane Court in Limpopo for the appearance on the 16th of September.
Enquiries: Colonel McIntosh Polela
Tel: (012) 400 6579/ 6584
Cell: 082 475 1427
Fax: (012) 400 7018
E-mail: dpci.communication@saps.org.za
Source: South African Police Service