Know cause of plane crash - DA
2012-12-06 20:04
Johannesburg - It is important to establish why a
military aircraft crashed in the Drakensberg near Ladysmith on Thursday, killing
11 people, the DA said.
"We have to get to the bottom of why the aircraft
was allowed to operate in such poor weather conditions, and what caused the
aircraft to crash," DA defence and military veterans’ spokesperson David
Maynier said.
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) said 11 people,
including six SA Air Force (SAAF) members, died when the aircraft crashed.
"On board was a crew of six and five passengers, and
it was confirmed that there are no survivors," spokesperson Siphiwe
Dlamini said.
"The SANDF has commenced with the process of
informing the next-of-kin of the deceased members."
He said the names of the deceased will be released when
all the next-of-kin had been informed of the crash.
A board of inquiry had been convened to investigate the
circumstances surrounding the cause of the accident, Dlamini added.
Maynier welcomed the board of inquiry, saying it was
important to establish the cause of the accident.
"The DA extends its condolences to the family and
friends of the 11 members of the defence force who died in the crash," he
added.
The Dakota aircraft went missing en route to Mthatha
after it took off from Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria on Wednesday. It
was expected to land in Mthatha at 10:00.
After no communication from the aircraft, the SAAF
activated a search and rescue mission but severe weather conditions in the area
hindered the operation.
"At first light this morning, the rescue team
continued their efforts and located the wreckage in the Drakensberg
mountains," said Dlamini.
- SAPA
