SANParks aircraft pilot injured while in pursuit of suspected poachers in Kruger Park

Investigations were currently under way to determine the cause of the accident.
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that a fixed wing aircraft crash landed in the Kingfisherspruit section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Saturday afternoon while in pursuit of suspected poachers.

“The aircraft, a Foxbat Bantam, was on an anti-poaching mission when the accident happened,” the KNP said in a statement.

“Details are still sketchy at the moment, but no fatalities have been reported. The pilot has been assessed by the Skukuza resident doctor and is being flown to Nelspruit MediClinic for a thorough check-up after sustaining a gash to his head and minor lacerations.

KNP managing executive Glenn Phillips expressed his relief that there were no fatalities, saying “we are grateful that the pilot seems fine at this stage and we will give him all the support to get through this traumatic experience. Our prayers are with him and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery”.

Investigations were currently under way to determine the cause of the accident.

Source: IOL