SWAKOPMUND – A team of investigators from the directorate of aircraft accident and incident investigation has been dispatched to Swakopmund to conduct an on-site assessment to determine the cause of a fatal helicopter accident that occurred on Monday afternoon.

The crash claimed the lives of Dirk von Weidts (29) and Jacques Jacobs (54). 

The duo tragically lost their lives when the Robinson-44 helicopter they were flying in plunged to the ground near the Swakopmund airfield, resulting in instant fatalities. 

Jacobs, a well-known flight instructor in the Namibian aviation fraternity, and Von Weidts, an aviation engineer, had taken the helicopter on a test flight following some maintenance work.

Magnus Abraham, director of aircraft accidents and investigation, informed New Era that his team has commenced the meticulous task of gathering evidence and documents that will provide a clearer understanding of the events that led up to the accident. 

They have begun interviewing witnesses to compile a detailed report.

“We need to establish whether the helicopter was compliant with our aviation standards and review any documentation completed by the deceased individuals to determine precisely what they were working on before the crash,” Abraham said.

He added that they will also examine the flight history and maintenance records of the helicopter prior to the accident. 

A preliminary report detailing the potential factors that may have led to the crash is expected to be released in the next two weeks.

The wreckage of the helicopter will be transported to Windhoek for further examination.

“At this stage, we are uncertain about the sequence of events, but what we know is that they proceeded to test the helicopter after performing maintenance work on it. All this information needs to be documented as something must have gone terribly wrong, resulting in their deaths,” the aviation expert said.

Abraham impressed that every aspect of the incident is currently under scrutiny, including whether the pilot was licensed to fly that particular aircraft, whether the aircraft itself was legally registered, or if the engineer was qualified to carry out the maintenance work.

“All these are formalities we need to carry out. In the meantime, we have also notified the aircraft manufacturer in America of the accident in accordance with international laws and will be involved in the ongoing investigations,” he said.

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Jacobs and von Weidts, with their deaths being described as a significant loss for the aviation industry and rugby circles. 

Matthias Braune, representing the aviation industry, expressed sorrow and highlighted Jacobs’ valuable contributions, stating on social media: “Thank you for being the perfect wingman so many times! You left while doing what you loved most.”

The Dolphins Rugby club also paid tribute to Von Weidts, who was part of their team: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our teammate and midfield general. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, family, and the team.”

- edeklerk@nepc.com.na