Missing Kruger National Park helicopter found with all occupants safe

South African missing helicopter has been found

A helicopter that went missing in South Africa’s on Monday, April 6, 2026, has been safely located, with all four people on board accounted for and unharmed.

According to MDN News, the aircraft, carrying a pilot, two SAPS investigators, and an environmental crimes investigator, had been conducting an investigation into a reported animal carcass when it made an emergency landing in a remote section of the park.

Stranded in dense bush, the group spent the night disoriented before being spotted by a SANParks search helicopter the following morning.

Rescue teams reported that the occupants were found waving for help and in good condition.

Their safe recovery brings relief after a tense night in the wilderness.

Authorities praised the coordinated search efforts, noting that the rapid response by SANParks and emergency teams was key to ensuring everyone’s safety.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability involved in environmental investigations within remote and rugged areas of the park.

Breaking news

A helicopter that went missing in South Africa’s Kruger National Park on Monday, April 6, 2026, has been safely located this morning with all four occupants, a pilot, two SAPS investigators, and an environmental crimes investigator found alive, unharmed, and in… pic.twitter.com/grootiD7dX

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 7, 2026