SAPS
The pilot of a crop-spraying aircraft has been killed in an accident in the Free State.
Colonel Thandi Mbambo says they were informed at around 9 pm on Thursday of a crop-sprayer that had gone missing while spraying crop between Bultfontein and Hoopstad.
A search was launched, and local farmers used drones to try and locate the missing plane, but without success.
Colonel Mbambo says a police helicopter was activated and flew out at first light at 5 am on Friday.
Within 10 minutes of flying over the sear-area, the crew on the police-chopper spotted the wreckage in a mielie field.
The pilot, who was lone in the aircraft, was found deceased.
Police have opened an inquest docket for further investigation and the Civil Aviation Authority will also be investigating the incident.
The name of the pilot has not yet been released.
