Pilot Avoided Houses, Crash Landed In A School Sports Field

Allister Freeman, a pilot for SA Airlink, died Tuesday two weeks after he made an emergency landing on Merebank Secondary School’s sports field, impacting a concrete barricade at the school. Four people were injured in the incident. Three were on the aircraft: Freeman, his co-pilot Sonja Bierman and flight attendant Rudelle Oosthuysen. A municipal worker on the ground, Abraham Mthethwa, was also injured.

The South African newspaper Business Day reports the Jetstream 41 had just departed Durban International Airport in South Africa when it developed engine problems. The crew reported an engine out and seeing black smoke coming from the rear of the aircraft. No passengers were on board at the time of the incident.

Freeman managed to steer the airplane away from several houses before making the forced landing in the school yard, only about 400 yards from the airport. An SA Airlink spokesperson said it broke into three pieces.

The South African newspaper The Witness reports Freeman passed away at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital at 0100 local time Tuesday. He had received severe injuries, including a punctured lung and spinal fracture. He had undergone surgery, and was on a ventilator.

Jetstream 41 File Photo

Airlink CEO and managing director Rodger Foster, said Freeman's piloting skills averted what might have been a disaster. “We will remember Allister for the role he played in averting what could otherwise have been a far worse accident,” he said.

Merebank residents have also expressed sadness at Freeman’s death.

South African authorities are investigating to determine the cause of the crash.

FMI: www.caa.co.za