A young KwaZulu-Natal pilot, Leeche’ Manuel, 24, has died in a plane crash during a training flight in North West province, leaving his family and the KZN Provincial Government in mourning. Manuel, a recipient of the Premier’s Bursary Programme, was on the cusp of qualifying as a flight instructor when the incident occurred on Thursday.
The crash, which took place in the Klipgat area, also claimed the life of the flight instructor accompanying Manuel. According to the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), a distress alert was received from the aircraft’s emergency locator beacon around 6:00 PM on Thursday [The Citizen]. The aircraft, a Sling 2, had departed from Grand Central Airport in Midrand, Gauteng.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has expressed his shock and sorrow, describing Manuel as a “shining example of the talent, discipline, and determination” the province aims to cultivate [Witness]. Ntuli has directed the Bursary Unit to provide support to the Manuel family during this difficult time.
Training Flight Cut Short
Manuel was undertaking a routine practice flight with his instructor when the aircraft went down. Both pilots succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with investigators collecting evidence and interviewing air traffic control personnel [The Citizen]. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Manuel’s journey to becoming a pilot was supported by a comprehensive bursary from the Office of the Premier, awarded in February of last year to cover his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating. His training took him through various facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, including Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay, before he moved to Johannesburg for specialized aircraft training [Witness].
Premier Pledges Support
Premier Ntuli emphasized the significance of Manuel’s potential, noting that he was on the verge of qualifying as a flight instructor. “Being on the verge of qualifying as an instructor is a testament to his commitment and hard work,” Ntuli said in a statement [East Coast Radio]. The Premier’s Office has directed officials to provide assistance to the Manuel family as they navigate this period of grief.
Tributes have been pouring in for Manuel, highlighting his dedication and promising future. News of his death has deeply affected the KwaZulu-Natal aviation community and beyond [IOL].
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic loss. The SACAA has extended its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased pilots.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the Manuel family and honoring the memory of a young pilot whose dreams were tragically cut short. The KZN Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting aspiring aviators through the Premier’s Bursary Programme underscores the importance of investing in the talent and potential of the province’s youth.
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