# South African Air Force Oryx Helicopter crashes

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2017/12/south-african-air-force-oryx-helicopter-crashes/
- Published: 2017-12-12T13:20:00+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

[⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx crashes⌉⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx
crashes⌉[

A South African (SAAF) Oryx utility helicopter crashed on a highway few kilometer
from Cape Town on Sunday. The Oryx helicopter hit a newly erected wire while transporting
helicopter spare parts.

The Oryx helicopter is operated by 22 Squadron at AFB Ysterplaat. Fortunately, there
was no loss of lives. However, a crew member received serious injuries and has since
been moved to the 2nd Military hospital in Wynberg where he is receiving treatment.

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[⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx crashes⌉⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx
crashes⌉[

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the
crew of eight was on a tasking to assist a training team in Touwsriver, near Worcester.

The Oryx, tail number 1236, had just participated in the AFB Langebaanweg/Silver
Falcons 50th Anniversary Airshow on the Saturday. It was flying in company with 
an Agusta A109 light helicopter of 15 Squadron, Durban, which also participated 
in the airshow.

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The accident happened after they completed their training assignment and were on
their way back to AFB Ysterplaat. The Oryx was also carrying a spare engine for 
the A109.

The area is well known to the Cape Town based helicopter crew, but it appears that
the wire the Oryx hit had only recently been erected in a valley of the Du Toitskloof
Mountains.

“Wires are brand new (only put up this week) with no notams [notice to airmen],”
the crew member said.

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He added that not even the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) knew about the wires,
despite AMS also flying extensively in the area.

[⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx crashes⌉⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx
crashes⌉[[⌊South African air force (saaf) oryx crashes⌉⌊South African air force (
saaf) oryx crashes⌉[

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