Identity
Person No.
33031
Old ROH no.
1324
Service No.
66400839KV
Last Name
First Name
David Lanian James
Initials
D L J
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
35
Military Service
Rank
Second Lieutenant
Regiment
Unit
Secondary Unit
attd. 53 Battalion
Defence Force
SADF 3,283
South African Defence Force
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause code
AA 1,738
Aircraft accident
Cause of Death
Died in Aircraft Accident, struck powerlines while on a military training flight, near Hoedspruit
Grave Reference
Location
Country
Locality
Notes
Husband of Mrs. M. A. Snaddon, of Nelspruit. ***Listed incorrectly under 1973 on memorial | Mike Sandham 16 Aug 2026 omissions: agricultural economist for HL Hall & Sons. First names Lanion in that note (ROH retains Lanian).
Research notes
Mike Sandham 16 Aug 2026 omissions: Lanion vs ROH Lanian; SAAFA / some listings 21 Aug 1973 (ROH/SAWGP/ASN keep 16 Aug 1986). SAAF attrition summaries record no loss on 16 Aug 1986; 21 Aug 1973 Impala mid-air is a different incident (3 killed).
Citations
Unknown
External References
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Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post
Col (rt) Graham du Toit Last Post 16 Aug 2026: 101 Air Commando Squadron, private aircraft, High Tension wires, authorised training flight.
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Mike Sandham
OMISSIONS 16 Aug 2026: 101 Sqdn with Snyman; agricultural economist HL Hall & Sons; memorial listed under 1973.
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Other web source
SAAFA roll of honour lists 21/08/73.
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Other web source
No SAAF attrition recorded 16 Aug 1986. 21 Aug 1973: 2 Impalas mid-air, 3 killed (different incident).
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Other web source
ASN: Sat 16 Aug 1986, 2 killed, hit powerline near Hoedspruit, private aircraft, 101 (Reserve) Sqn. Type not named (Bonanza given only as an example of aircraft the squadron used).
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SADF.info Border Roll of Honour
SADF.info Border RoH
- South African War Graves Project
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The War in Angola
Some listings: Date of Death 1973/08/21; 101 Air Commando Squadron; 85 Combat Flying School SAAF.
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