Memorial service for gyrocopter pilot

Memorial service for gyrocopter pilot ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Family and friends will gather next Saturday to say their final farewells to gyrocopter pilot Pierre Blaauw, who died in a crash just outside Windhoek a month ago.

Blaauw sustained serious burns in the crash and was taken to hospital where he died the following morning.

The other occupant in the gyrocopter, Donbaldt Noa, died at the scene. Noa was the son of Paulus Noa, director-general of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The accident happened on 18 December at about 14:20 between Windhoek and the Kapps Farm roadblock.

It is alleged that the gyrocopter, which had taken off from Eros Airport, hit a power line and crash-landed on the road. It burst into flames and burnt out completely.

According to a notification on Blaauw's Facebook page, the service will take place at Farm Freiheit Ost and because of the coronavirus restrictions it will also be livestreamed.

A preliminary investigation report into the crash must still be issued by the directorate of aircraft accident investigation.