NATIONAL NEWS - TV presenter and chef Mynie Steffens has been identified as the 43-year-old crop duster pilot who lost her life in a helicopter crash yesterday.
Steffens was a co-host of the Afrikaans VIA TV programme Speel met vuur, where she and Adi van der Walt travelled to various South African locations to braai unusual dishes.
Tribute
In a statement on the channel’s Facebook post, tribute was paid to Steffens.
“Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With #SpeelMetVuur you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep well,” the post in Afrikaans roughly translates to in English.
Investigation underway
The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) confirmed that a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed at a citrus farm outside Patensie in the Eastern Cape.
“Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed. The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force,” the AIID’s statement reads.
Investigators have been dispatched to the site, and a preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website 30 days from the day of the crash.
“The AIID extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the statement concludes.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said that an inquest was opened after the incident at around 07:45 yesterday.
Photo: Ellen Margaret Hancke | Facebook
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