Investigations into a light aircraft crash near the Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein could take up to 12 months.
One person died while another was admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
South African Civil Aviation's spokesperson, Sisa Majola, says the accident and incident investigations division was informed about the fatal accident on Saturday which involved a Beechcraft Bonanza fixed-wing aircraft.
“There were two occupants on board, with one suffering a fatal injury. The other occupant suffered serious injuries,” he said.
Majola said the aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
He said the CAAs accident and investigation team has been dispatched to the Free State and will define the size and scope of the investigation while a preliminary report will be completed within 30 days.
The Airports Company South Africa said the light aircraft crashed in a grassy area of the airport.
ACSA also expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased, whose name has not yet been released.
