Light aircraft crashes into a school tuck shop

A light aircraft reportedly crashed into a tuck shop at Hoërskool Alberton in Ekurhuleni earlier this morning on Sunday, the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed.

According to the department, circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation by relevant authorities.

The department's spokesperson, Steve Mabona said the pilot and the instructor who were onboard the aircraft reportedly sustained no injuries.

Mabona confirmed that this incident will not disrupt schooling activities or the ongoing National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

“The GDE commends the school’s management, emergency services and aviation authorities for their prompt response to this sudden incident,” he said.

The Department has advised parents to ensure that pupils bring their own food to school while repairs are being arranged.

According to, City of Ekurhuleni, preliminary reports by the metro’s emergency services indicate that an instructor and a student were conducting a final evaluation flight test for a private pilot licence when the aircraft experienced engine failure midair.

The problem necessitated an emergency landing on the school’s rugby field, but the aircraft ended up crashing into the school’s tuckshop.

The instructor and student escaped without injuries