2008 was a very bad year for light aircraft crashes in Namibia with several fatalities, many more than any other year in recent history. It was all over the papers here at the time as obviously it is a very big deal when planes fall out of the sky anywhere!

The majority were on leaving from Windhoek, and I did speak to a pilot at the time to ask what they thought was going on with this. Although I can't remember all the technical jargon I do remember that they suggested it was likely to be due to inexperienced pilots, and is something to do with the altitude, departing in very hot conditions with full planes and failing then to gain altitude. I am no expert on how planes manage to take off, but that is an explanation I have heard quite often.

Since 2008 rules and regulations were seriously tightened up, and since things seem to have been under control and strict training for pilots enforced, as most of these crashes seem to have been caused by pilot error and overloading.

Obviously as with all forms of transport accidents happen. There are many, many light aircraft flights every day in Namibia with no problems. Compared to driving...you are much more likely to have an accident on the road as opposed to an air crash as people here (tourists and locals) have a tendency to drive too fast, especially on gravel roads, and don't take care to follow the simple rules of the road like not driving in the dark, keeping to the speed limit, having your tyre pressures set right, overloading etc etc

For all my tourist flights I use Sefofane to transit from lodge to lodge. They have excellent pilots and planes. For scenic flights I use Pleasure Flights in Swakopmund as they are also excellent.

I hope that helps!

Gemma Dry - Discover Namibia Safaris

Thank you for the response, Gemma Dry.

Sefofane has a good safety record. Check their website for scheduled charters. They use a lot of Caravans which are larger than the Cessnas, too.

Lynn--just ask for Simone as your pilot:

http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/how-dental-floss-saved-bruce-and-marijas-trip-to-namibia-botswana-victoria-falls-and-capetown.cfm