Ongoing search for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray after tragic Durban aircraft crash
Blackwood-Murray was part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport.
The accident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea.
On Friday, Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the SACAA, expressed sorrow over the incident, revealing that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) was promptly on the scene to initiate an investigation.
The Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza, stated that the focus remains on the ongoing mission to find Blackwood-Murray.
'We are saddened by the incident and are keeping the pilot, family and friends in our thoughts as rescue efforts continue," she said.
"Our focus now is on the mission currently unfolding, appreciating the efforts of the teams on the ground and wishing them strength as they continue with the mission."
Following the crash on Thursday, eThekwini Municipality announced the closure of Battery Beach as the search continues.
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The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Locals lay wreaths in tribute to missing Durban plane crash pilot
Residents of Durban have begun laying flowers and tributes at Battery Beach in memory of Andrew Blackwood-Murray who remains missing after his light aircraft crashed into the sea during an aerobatic display on Thursday afternoon. RELATED | WIFE of Durban plane crash pilot pays emotional tribute The 61-year-old Johannesburg pilot, who was participating in an aerial performance as part of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit held at Virginia Airport, lost control of his plane during the closing stages of the show. As search and rescue teams, including divers and NSRI craft, continued their efforts offshore for a third day, crowds gathered on the beach to show support and mourn the tragedy. Among them was Paulo Martins, a close friend and colleague of Blackwood-Murray's. 'We were friends, we were colleagues, we were aviators – and that's just hard work,' Martins said, laying flowers alongside his family. 'When I got the news, I had a feeling of who it might have been. I didn't want to ask, but eventually, the questions were answered.' Thembeka Cebani, a local beachfront vendor, recounted witnessing the incident and expressed her condolences. 'We were just enjoying the airshow at Suncoast, but we were shocked when we saw the plane go straight into the ocean,' she said. 'Now we're just praying they can find the body, so the family can have peace.' Andre Stain, who lives in a nearby apartment overlooking the beach, was among those who watched the crash unfold in real-time. 'What you see in the video – it's worse to see live. It was more violent. It was actually very sad,' he said. The aircraft, a ZS-AEC Extra 300, had been performing high-speed aerobatic manoeuvres when it plummeted into the water in full view of beachgoers and tourists. Search efforts, coordinated by the Joint Operations Command Centre (JOCC), continue with teams from the NSRI, Metro Police, and SAPS Search and Rescue working around the clock. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
WIFE of Durban plane crash pilot pays emotional tribute
The wife of veteran South African pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray who was killed in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Durban on Thursday, has paid an emotional tribute. Blackwood-Murray, 61, was performing a display in his ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft as part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport, when the plane crashed into the ocean just before 14:00. Emergency services and eyewitnesses quickly responded, with reports of the plane plunging into the sea near Suncoast Beach. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), eThekwini lifeguards, Police Search and Rescue, and other agencies launched a joint operation, which remains ongoing as at the time of publishing. 'The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and provide a platform for Police and Metro divers conducting scuba operations,' said NSRI duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan. Battery Beach and surrounding areas have been closed to the public as wreckage continues to wash ashore and search teams expand their efforts. Blackwood-Murray, well-known within aviation circles, was regarded as a world-class pilot and true gentleman. He was celebrated not just for his elite flying skills, but also for his warmth and mentorship within the aviation community. Kyla Blackwood-Murray took to Facebook on Saturday to pay tribute to her husband, writing: 'Yesterday I said goodbye to my most favourite boy in the whole wide world. 'It was the call I have been dreading my whole life. But I always said I would rather he go doing the things he loves the most. I just didn't realise he would have left so soon. 'He was my world. We did everything together and we had so many plans. We were going to grow old and be the most awesome geriatrics together. 'He has taken away the biggest piece of my soul and I don't know how I am going to live without my wingman. 'He brought me more joy than I ever imagined possible. He was always there for me helping me become the best version of myself. 'I am beyond heartbroken. Just to have one more day with him. If only. 'My baby may you soar the skies and visit all the amazing places you had on your bucket list. 'You rocked my world. You gave me meaning and purpose and I don't know how I am going to do life without you. 'Thank you for loving me completely. I am devastated. You will always be my person. Forever and always Andrew Blackwood-Murray.' 'Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved,' shared respected media personality and close friend, John Walland, who remembered him as 'a warm and passionate man whose skills touched so many lives.' Others reflected on his humility and approachability, regardless of how busy he was. 'Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot… He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar,' wrote Venessa Richardson. 'My heart bleeds, Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I'm glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you,' added Ryan Douwie. As the search continues, tributes to Andrew Blackwood-Murray serve as a reminder of the deep personal and professional impact he made throughout his life. His passion for flight, dedication to airshows, and mentorship of the next generation of pilots leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. Authorities have asked the public to remain sensitive to the situation and to allow recovery teams the space and support needed as the operation progresses. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Ongoing search for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray after tragic Durban aircraft crash
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed that the investigation into the tragic plane crash that occurred off the Durban coastline is continuing, with 61-year-old pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray still missing. Blackwood-Murray was part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport. The accident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. On Friday, Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the SACAA, expressed sorrow over the incident, revealing that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) was promptly on the scene to initiate an investigation. The Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza, stated that the focus remains on the ongoing mission to find Blackwood-Murray. 'We are saddened by the incident and are keeping the pilot, family and friends in our thoughts as rescue efforts continue," she said. "Our focus now is on the mission currently unfolding, appreciating the efforts of the teams on the ground and wishing them strength as they continue with the mission." Following the crash on Thursday, eThekwini Municipality announced the closure of Battery Beach as the search continues.
