Australian pilots die during aerial survey

TWO Australian pilots doing an aerial geological survey for the Ministry of Mines and Energy were killed when their aircraft crashed in the Gamsberg area early yesterday morning.

The Cessna 210 aircraft that crashed at about 06h30 belonged to Westair Wings Charters. It had been equipped for carrying out geophysical surveys.The aircraft had taken off from Windhoek’s Eros Airport at about 06h00 yesterday and was in the process of carrying out an aerial survey when it crashed, according to Westair Wings Charters’ Director of Operations, Johan Steyn.The aeroplane crashed at the farm Goellschau, some 80 kilometres southwest of the capital.”The cause of the accident, in which the aircraft was destroyed and the two crewmembers perished, is not known at this stage,” Steyn stated.He added that the names of the people who died in the accident could not be released until their next of kin have been informed.It is understood that they were both Australian pilots carrying out aerial surveys for the Ministry of Mines and Energy.It had been equipped for carrying out geophysical surveys.The aircraft had taken off from Windhoek’s Eros Airport at about 06h00 yesterday and was in the process of carrying out an aerial survey when it crashed, according to Westair Wings Charters’ Director of Operations, Johan Steyn.The aeroplane crashed at the farm Goellschau, some 80 kilometres southwest of the capital.”The cause of the accident, in which the aircraft was destroyed and the two crewmembers perished, is not known at this stage,” Steyn stated.He added that the names of the people who died in the accident could not be released until their next of kin have been informed.It is understood that they were both Australian pilots carrying out aerial surveys for the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.