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Trainer Flight Crashes in Modimola Dam, South Africa

On April 16, 2013, a Pearl Coral-owned de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth with two aboard crashed in Modimola Dam in Mmabatho in South Africa.

The training flight crashed into the water witnessed by a cattle herder near the dam.

When boats arrived to search, it was dark, and too late to search.

Initially, the occupants were assumed to be the pilot and an assistant; and it is assumed this was a trainer from Mafikeng Airport. The cause of the crash is unknown.

Police divers found the instructor in the water. The student pilot’s body was trapped inside the plane which was submerged in water with only its tail visible.

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.


Update
The fatalities were named by police as instructor Marthinus Steyn, 54, and student pilot Narco van Straaten, 23.

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