Westair sued for millions after emergency landing damaged crops
A Windhoek-based farmer is gunning for Westair Aviation Limited after one of its planes was forced to make an emergency landing in a field on his farm, causing substantive damage.
Isak Nahum is demanding N$3.2 million for loss of harvesting and damages incurred on his farm because of the emergency landing.
Detailing the events that led to his equipment and produce being destroyed, Nahum claimed that on 24 October 2023, the aircraft - after departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport to an unknown destination - declared an emergency and executed an emergency landing on his farm.
In the process, approximately 200 metres of a perimeter fence was destroyed, Nahum said.
“[Westair], duly represented by its technical director Mr Mike Mayers, informed... [my] farm manager, Mr Desire Moyo, that no person was permitted to approach the aircraft or the peripheral areas surrounding the aircraft,” the farm owner said in court papers.
According to Nahum, repairs to the damaged fence would only be permitted upon conclusion of investigations into the emergency landing, and the removal of the aircraft.
“Due to the damage caused to the perimeter fence by the landing of the aircraft on the farm, on 1 November 2023, livestock from the farm entered into the area... resulting in damages comprising the destruction of the electrical and fertigation system... and the destruction of crops, specifically wheat, onions and barley, which was consumed by the livestock.”
Millions lost
The damage to his equipment meant Nahum was unable to plant crops in December 2023, leading to a loss of income for the subsequent harvesting season, the documents read.
According to the claim, Nahum intended to plant maize and beans, each on on 23.3-hectare parcels of land, which would have resulted in combined revenue of N$3 million.
Nahum also claimed damages in the amount of N$348 641 for wheat planted on five hectares - with an expected yield of 50 tonnes, valued at N$6 972.82 per tonne. Other demands include N$204 800 for barley bales, N$1 million for onions and N$75 000 for wheat bales.
Due to the damage caused by the emergency landing, Nahum said he had to remove and replace damaged poles, droppers, mesh and straining wire. He is being represented by Andrew Naunyango of Jauch Incorporated. No details were provided regarding Westair’s legal counsel.
Isak Nahum is demanding N$3.2 million for loss of harvesting and damages incurred on his farm because of the emergency landing.
Detailing the events that led to his equipment and produce being destroyed, Nahum claimed that on 24 October 2023, the aircraft - after departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport to an unknown destination - declared an emergency and executed an emergency landing on his farm.
In the process, approximately 200 metres of a perimeter fence was destroyed, Nahum said.
“[Westair], duly represented by its technical director Mr Mike Mayers, informed... [my] farm manager, Mr Desire Moyo, that no person was permitted to approach the aircraft or the peripheral areas surrounding the aircraft,” the farm owner said in court papers.
According to Nahum, repairs to the damaged fence would only be permitted upon conclusion of investigations into the emergency landing, and the removal of the aircraft.
“Due to the damage caused to the perimeter fence by the landing of the aircraft on the farm, on 1 November 2023, livestock from the farm entered into the area... resulting in damages comprising the destruction of the electrical and fertigation system... and the destruction of crops, specifically wheat, onions and barley, which was consumed by the livestock.”
Millions lost
The damage to his equipment meant Nahum was unable to plant crops in December 2023, leading to a loss of income for the subsequent harvesting season, the documents read.
According to the claim, Nahum intended to plant maize and beans, each on on 23.3-hectare parcels of land, which would have resulted in combined revenue of N$3 million.
Nahum also claimed damages in the amount of N$348 641 for wheat planted on five hectares - with an expected yield of 50 tonnes, valued at N$6 972.82 per tonne. Other demands include N$204 800 for barley bales, N$1 million for onions and N$75 000 for wheat bales.
Due to the damage caused by the emergency landing, Nahum said he had to remove and replace damaged poles, droppers, mesh and straining wire. He is being represented by Andrew Naunyango of Jauch Incorporated. No details were provided regarding Westair’s legal counsel.
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