GOBABEB – A researcher and his pilot from the Gobabeb Research Centre died on Wednesday evening when a light aircraft they were travelling in crashed just kilometres from the centre.
The police yesterday identified the deceased as Alan Wilson and Neil Thomas Oakman.
When New Era arrived at the scene yesterday morning, instruments of the plane were scattered around the wreckage that was being guarded by two police officers.
Senior Inspector in the Namibian Police Force Judith Shomongula said the two researchers took off from the centre to search for animal collars in the dunes.
“At about 19h00, a third researcher, also based at the centre, John Lowe, started to get worried about their colleagues who allegedly took too long to return,” he stated.
Lowe then informed the head of the centre to start searching around the area.
The search led them to the wreckage of the plane just metres away from the Gobabeb airstrip.
Both Wilson and Oakman are suspected to have died on impact.
The duo arrived in February, and the flight was their last as part of the study.
The research centre, in a statement released yesterday, said two researchers were conducting research on oryx within the Namib and were returning from an observation flight when the accident occurred.
The centre described the deceased as outstanding scientists.
The researcher obtained the necessary work and research permits to conduct the study in collaboration with Gobabeb and in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the centre confirmed.
“Gobabeb is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic accident. We extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives,” they stated.
The Directorate of Aircraft Accident Investigations’ investigator Hafeni Mweshixwa, who was at the scene, told New Era that the aircraft was a Groppo light, registered in the United Kingdom.
“Investigations are still ongoing and a proper statement will be released soon,” he said.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na