Johannesburg - One of the pilots flying the SA Airlink aircraft when it crashed into a school ground in Merebank shortly after take-off from the Durban International Airport died on Wednesday.
SA Airlink Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rodger Foster, confirmed that Captain Allister Brendan Freeman, 38, died on Wednesday morning after he succumbed to complications arising from the injuries he sustained in the fatal crash.
“It is with immense sadness that we have learned that our colleague and friend, Captain Allister Freeman, passed away.”
He offered his deepest sympathy and prayers to Allister’s wife, his young children, mother, brothers, family, friends and colleagues.
The Jetstream 41 Turboprop aircraft made a crash landing on 24 September after pilots were unable to maintain altitude. The crew attempted to land the airplane on the sports field of a local school just 3km north east of the airport.
Four people sustained injuries in the crash, including the two pilots, a flight attendant who suffered back and neck injuries and a municipal worker was injured on the ground and taken to hospital.
Foster described Captain Allister as an experienced, dedicated and professional pilot. He joined Airlink in June 2008 as a First Officer.
Having passed all of the requisite performance evaluations and proficiency tests, Allister was selected for Captaincy training and subsequently achieved his Command.
“Allister will be sadly missed by all at Airlink,” said Foster, adding that they would reme