PLETTENBERG BAY – A pilot escaped unhurt on Tuesday 29 September after a small aircraft ran off the runway at Plettenberg Bay Airport, prompting a swift response from local emergency services and aviation authorities.

The Bitou Municipality confirmed the incident, stating that municipal Fire and Rescue Services, along with other emergency response stakeholders, immediately attended the scene to secure the aircraft and surrounding area.

According to the pilot a possible mechanical fault may have caused the plane to exit the runway. Authorities stressed that this account had not yet been formally confirmed and a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the precise cause of the event.

Plettenberg Bay Airport Manager Esmaralda Barnes officially notified the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) following the incident, ensuring standard civil-aviation safety protocols and procedures were activated.

Bitou Municipality said further updates would be issued as more information became available.

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