Three people, including a 13-year-old girl, were injured when a light aircraft crashed in Syferfontein near Lenasia on Thursday, police said.
Captain Mbazima Shiburi said the 49-year-old pilot, who had broken both his legs and one arm, was airlifted to Milpark hospital. His condition was serious but stable.
Shiburi said the two passengers, the girl and her 20-year-old brother, were taken to the Chris Hani-Baragwanath hospital. They suffered minor injuries.
He said the aircraft crashed at 9.40am after its engine had failed as it was about to land at the Baragwanath airfield.
The three were from Roshnee in Vereeniging and had taken a joyride in the aircraft.
Emergency personnel were alerted to the scene after the pilot, who remained conscious, telephoned his wife who spoke to the police. — Sapa