Were Returning To South Africa Following 'Cape To Cairo Challenge'

Two South African pilots have been fatally injured in an accident involving an airplane supporting the U Dream Global 'Cape to Cairo Challenge'.

In a message posted on Facebook U Dream Global said that the "Cape to Cairo Challenge is devastated to report that there has been an accident of the flight support aircraft and that the Project Directors, Des Werner and Werner Froneman, have lost their lives. No one else was involved in the accident.

"We kindly request everybody’s understanding at this incredibly difficult time."

The two were returning to South Africa when the plane went down Saturday shortly after takeoff from Tabora airport in Tanzania, according to a report from the BBC. The pilots reportedly informed air traffic control that they had experienced an engine problem before the airplane disappeared from radar, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Tanzania. The airplane was completely destroyed, according to the report.

The Cape to Cairo Challenge was conceived by Megan Werner, Des Werner's daughter. Megan founded U Dream Global. A team of teenagers flew a Sling 4 they had built themselves from South Africa to Cairo, Egypt, with more experienced pilots following in support aircraft. Along the way, they stopped to talk with other teenagers in an effort to inspire them to pursue their dreams. The team reached Cairo in early July.

(Image from Facebook)

FMI: Facebook
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