News24 | TV host Mynie Steffens dies in Eastern Cape helicopter crash

DStv cooking show host Mynie Steffens died in a helicopter crash while crop-dusting at a farm in Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday.

DStv cooking show host Mynie Steffens died in a helicopter crash while crop-dusting at a farm in Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday.

SA Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) spokesperson Sisa Majola said the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division could confirm that a Robinson R22 helicopter (registration ZS-DLF) crashed at a citrus farm in Patensie on Monday.

“The pilot was the sole occupant on board, and was fatally injured. Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting pest-control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed,” said Majola.

“The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force. Investigators have been dispatched to the site where a preliminary report will be published on the Sacaa website 30 days from the day of this accident.”

Easter Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the pilot’s identity had been confirmed as 43-year-old Steffens. The incident took place at around 07:45.

“Police have opened an inquest docket after a pilot died when the helicopter crashed on a farm outside Patensie. It is alleged that a female crop-duster pilot died instantly when the Robinson helicopter crashed on the Roodegrond farm after hitting power lines,” he said.

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