Investigators are working to determine what caused the helicopter crash that claimed the life of beloved chef and TV host Mynie Steffens on a farm outside Patensie on Monday morning.
The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) launched a probe after confirming that a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-DLF, went down while Steffens was conducting a pest control flight on Monday morning.
Steffens was 43.
The AIID said the helicopter struck power lines before crashing.
Steffens, who was the only person on board, died at the scene.
The aircraft was severely damaged on impact.
“Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed,” the AIID said.
“The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force.
“Investigators have been dispatched to the site where a preliminary report will be published on the SA Civil Aviation Authority website 30 days from the day of this accident.”
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the freak accident occurred just before 8am and that an inquest had been opened.
Steffens was a celebrated chef, author, pilot instructor and TV host known for her love of cooking over fire.
She gained fame with her VIA TV show Speel met Vuur, where she travelled across SA cooking unusual dishes over open flames and meeting colourful characters along the way.
Steffens was also a published author and a recognised figure in the SA culinary scene, hosting both local and international braai tasting events.
Speaking to IOL a few hours after the incident, Aldi van der Walt said she was still coming to terms with the “massive shock” and “tragic loss”.
Van der Walt was a childhood friend of Steffens and also her co-host on Speel met Vuur.
“Mynie lived life to the full,” she said.
“She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavours, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along.
“She could make time for people from every walk of life, and that was her priority.
“She had a big heart, gentle soul, the glue that kept people together.”
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