The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Honorable Lindiwe Sisulu regrets to announce the untimely passing away of an SA Air Force (SAAF) Hawk student pilot during the afternoon of today, Tuesday, 8 March 2011 after successfully completing his training flight in a Hawk Lead-in fighter trainer aircraft at Air Force Base Makhado in the Limpopo province. He was stationed at 85 Combat Flying School.
Moments after his training flight he collapsed and medical assistance was immediately summoned and he was unfortunately pronounced dead a while later by the medical team that was attending to him. The cause of his death is at this time unknown and will form part of the investigation by a Board of Inquiry that is being convened.
The SAAF is in the process of informing his next-of-kin. Funeral arrangements will be announced after the family has finalised the arrangements.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, the acting Chief of the SA National Defence Force, Lieutenant General Themba Matanzima and the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano, convey their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased pilot.
Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Maseko
Tel: 012 312 2134
Cell: 082 046 2639
