Mon séjour en Afrique du Sud (Cape Town)

A former trainee mechanic in the defence force says his dream of becoming a pilot was shattered when he was severely injured in a helicopter crash in 1999.

Gert Johannes Etsebeth, 30, of Port Elizabeth is claiming more than R8.5 million in damages from the minister of defence and the chief of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF).

The case, being tried in the Pretoria High Court, was postponed indefinitely on Wednesday by Transvaal Deputy Judge President Jerry Shongwe.

Etsebeth said in papers before the court that on September 2, 1999 and while he was a trainee mechanic, he was an authorised observer on board an Alouette helicopter piloted by Major K Newman. As the helicopter neared Red Rock in Port Elizabeth, the engines failed and it made a crash landing.

Etsebeth said the accident was caused by the negligence of SANDF employees, who failed to properly maintain the engines. He said the SANDF also failed to investigate two prior incidents, when the aircraft yawed to the right in forward flight while "a strange noise" was heard.

Etsebeth claimed that Major Newman did not receive sufficient training in the emergency landing skills of an Alouette helicopter.

Etsebeth's right arm and leg were broken in two places, the base of his skull was fractured, his pelvis was broken and he suffered severe back injuries. He had to move about with the aid of crutches for two years.

He said he suffered severe pain and he can only walk and stand for short periods. His dream was to become a pilot, he said, but he can now only do light duties. He is claiming damages for pain and suffering and the loss if income.

The SANDF said that Etsebeth was a permanent member of the defence force and that the accident happened in the scope of his employment. The SANDF argued that Etsebeth may not claim damages, as the case was a matter for the Compensation Commissioner.