A pilot flying four passengers from Cape Town to Nelspruit had to make an emergency landing in Welkom, when a “fifth passenger” slid down his back.
Pilot Rudolf Erasmus was on his way to Nelspruit in a Beechraft Baron with four passengers on Monday when he had to make an emergency landing — to drop off an unwelcome passenger, a highly venomous Cape cobra.
Rudolph Erasmus (30) had to declare an emergency over Welkom when a highly venomous Cape Cobra made its appearance in the small aircraft.
Once Erasmus had landed, he and his four passengers made a hasty and rapid exit from the Beechcraft Baron. Erasmus is being hailed as a hero for his quick and calm response to a very dangerous situation.
As of Tuesday the snake was still in the Baron and expert aircraft engineers from Bloemfontein had to come to Welkom and strip the aircraft of its panels in search of the elusive cobra.