Johannesburg - The pilot of a single seater aircraft, missing since Wednesday, has been confirmed dead after the wreckage of his aircraft was found in the Addo National Elephant Park, Eastern Cape police said on Sunday.
The search for the 50-year-old pilot, Clifford Pike of Benoni, was called off on Saturday after a defence force helicopter located the wreckage on Saturday afternoon, Captain Mali Govender said.
“The necessary authorities, including investigation experts from SAPS as well as civil aviation officials were immediately alerted and arrived shortly thereafter (to begin) their investigations.”
On Wednesday, Pike's light aircraft was one of three flying from Port Alfred to Port Elizabeth.
Govender said the pilots had experienced cloud and mist around 20km from Alexandria, and each pilot took a different route to avoid the poor visibility.
When Pike's aircraft failed to land as expected ground and air searches were launched.
Govender said an inquest docket had been opened for investigation. - Sapa