United Air

Douglas DC-3

The twin engine airplane was completing a charter flight from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg, carrying a team of jockeys and trainers. While cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet, the captain declared an emergency due to an in-flight fire in the cabin. Cleared to return to Bloemfontein Airport, the crew started an emergency descent when the aircraft entered a dive and crashed in a 45° nose-down angle in an open field located in Hennenman, about 25 km east of Welkom. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 24 occupants were killed. Crew: Jacob Kalt, captain, Harold Whitehead, copilot, Jacqueline Henderson, stewardess. Passengers: Keith Basel, Lawrence Riley, Johannes “Rooies” Fourie, Warren Baillie, Bennie de Wet, Greg Holme, Douglas Roper, Danny Lombard, John McMurtry, Mark Nel, Michael Coetzee, Simon Rahilly, Gordon Sterley Graham Kent, Dave Bullock, Henry Havergall, Ginger Masterton, Johannes van der Linden, Jacobus Viljoen, Neville Blignaut, Hennie van Wyk.

Volpar Turboliner 18

After takeoff from Johannesburg-Jan Smuts Airport, while climbing, the twin engine airplane exploded in mid-air and crashed in flames 12 km north of the airfield. All three occupants were killed.