Farmer killed in copter crash
03/05/2009 22:11 - (SA)


Johannesburg - A 38-year-old game farmer was killed when his helicopter crashed and caught fire at a game farm near Kenton on Sea on Sunday morning, Eastern Cape police said.

Gordon de Beer, a well known game owner from KwaZulu-Natal was flying from a game reserve near Grahamstown when his two seater helicopter crashed at the Kariega game reserve near Kenton on sea, said Captain Mali Govender.

De Beer, who was alone in the aircraft, was killed instantly, she said.

"At this stage it is difficult to speculate on what went wrong but the accident is being investigated," she said.

De Beer was due to meet other game capturers who had travelled to the game reserve by road.

"He is survived by his wife and two young children aged three and one," Govender said.

Port Alfred Acting station Commissioner Superintendent JP van der Merwe said: "My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim. We will offer our assistance as far as possible. Authorities from the Civil Aviation Authorities are currently busy with their investigation as well".

- SAPA