Aviation Spotter-South Africa

24/09/2026

BREAKING: THREE SURVIVE MORNINGSTAR AIRFIELD CRASH
A Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration ZS-EXP, crashed at Morningstar Airfield in Vissershok, north of Cape Town, shortly after take-off this morning, Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
According to preliminary information released through South Africa’s aviation accident investigation authorities, the aircraft was conducting an hour-building flight from Morningstar to Stellenbosch when it reportedly stalled moments after take-off and crashed within the airfield perimeter. The aircraft was destroyed.
The most important news, however, is that all three occupants survived.
Reports indicate that two pilots and a passenger sustained minor injuries. They were taken to hospital for medical checks. One report states that the pilot suffered a minor cut to the head, while the two passengers reportedly sustained minor head injuries.
The exact cause of the accident has NOT been established.
The investigation process is now underway, and eyewitness accounts and other available evidence will be important in determining exactly what happened during those critical moments after take-off.
For pilots and aviation enthusiasts, this incident is another reminder of just how unforgiving the first few moments of a flight can be.
ZS-EXP may have been seriously damaged, but three lives were spared.
I want to hear from the aviation community:
What do you think are the most critical considerations during the first few moments after take-off?
Pilots: without speculating about this specific accident, what lessons should general aviation pilots take from incidents like this?
And for those who know Morningstar: what are your experiences flying from this airfield?
COMMENT BELOW. Let’s keep the discussion respectful, factual and aviation-focused.
FOLLOW Aviation Spotter-South Africa for further aviation updates as more verified information becomes available.


Photo Credit: Owner

30/08/2026

TOO LOW… OR PERFECTLY PLANNED?
Two Airlink Embraer jets. One packed DHL Stadium. One flypast that instantly set the internet on fire.
Moments before the Springboks faced the All Blacks in Cape Town, the two aircraft thundered over the stadium in formation, with pyrotechnics adding to an already surreal spectacle.
Then the footage hit social media.
From some angles, the lead aircraft appeared to skim the stadium roof. Flight-tracking analysis by Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft passed roughly 41–46 feet above the roof after altitude corrections.
And the reaction was explosive.
“Way too low.”
“Could have been catastrophic.”
“Someone is going to be in trouble.”
Others pushed back, pointing out that perspective can dramatically distort how close an aircraft appears to a structure — and that this was a planned and rehearsed flypast, not an improvised stunt.
Airlink has now responded, saying the flypast was conducted with SACAA and ATNS guidance, approval and support, and that flight data confirmed the aircraft remained within the approved and rehearsed altitude and speed limits.
So now we want YOUR aviation take.
Was this precision flying at its finest… or was the margin simply too uncomfortable over a stadium packed with thousands of people?
WATCH IT AGAIN. Look at the roof. Look at the aircraft. Then decide.
What do YOU think?
Perfectly planned and executed
Far too close for comfort
The camera angle makes it look worse
I wouldn’t want to be underneath it
COMMENT YOUR NUMBER — and tell us why.
And before you judge… watch the second aircraft.

20/08/2026

Rare and Epic footage of the Grippen over Simon'sTown this morning

09/08/2026

To the women who keep aviation moving.
Behind every flight is a story, and behind so many of those stories are incredible women who make it happen.

From the cockpit to the cabin, from the hangar to the ramp, from air traffic control to the countless roles behind the scenes, women continue to inspire, lead, challenge boundaries and shape the future of aviation.
Today, we celebrate your passion, your strength, your dedication and the courage it takes to chase a dream in the skies.
To every woman who flies, fixes, leads, teaches, dreams or simply loves aviation, this industry is stronger because you are part of it.

Tag a woman in aviation who inspires you and let’s give her the recognition she deserves.
Happy International Women’s Day to the women of aviation around the world.

08/06/2026

Caption this ...

07/06/2026

31/05/2026

Comments below, don't harbour your anger.
Love it or hate it, every strong brand attracts attention.
South African Airways has been one of the most talked-about airlines in South Africa since the democratic era began. Through its successes, challenges, restructuring, and comeback attempts, the airline has remained a constant topic of conversation.
What many people don't realize is that negative comments, criticism, and even hate often create more visibility than praise. Every debate, argument, share, and comment pushes the brand further into public view. The result? More exposure, more engagement, and more people talking about it.
Whether opinions are positive or negative, the fact remains: SAA continues to be part of South Africa's aviation story, and decades after democracy, it still has the power to spark conversation across the country.
Sometimes the loudest critics unknowingly become part of a brand's marketing. Attention is attention, and in today's digital world, conversation keeps a brand alive.
So if this post stirred an emotion, share your thoughts below. Just remember that every comment, whether supportive or critical, adds another chapter to the conversation.
AirlineIndustry AviationNews SouthAfrica

21/05/2026

An South African Airways A320 reportedly landed with only minutes of fuel remaining after severe Cape storms forced multiple missed approaches and a diversion to Gqeberha.
The flight crew battled strong winds and dangerous weather before safely getting the aircraft on the ground. While everyone walked away safely, the incident has sparked major debate across the aviation world about fuel planning, weather decisions and operational pressure.
Moments like this remind us that aviation is unforgiving, and every litre of fuel matters when the weather turns against you.