Missing plane update: Air search and rescue grounded due to weather
Rescue operations have been hampered today (June 9) by bad weather over the entire search area for the missing plane which is believed to have crashed sometime last night.
The plane – a Piper Cherokee that was part of a training flight from Virginia Airfield in Durban, involving three aircraft – went missing after aborting an attempted landing to refuel at Ladysmith Airfield in KZN. It is believed that the plane turned back to either make a landing in Greytown or Pietermaritzburg. All contact was lost with the plane shortly afterwards.
A second plane, which also failed to land, crash-landed near Greytown. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The third plane (which was the lead plane) successfully landed in Ladysmith, refueled and continued to Pretoria.
According to a Ladysmith pilot who did not want to be named, the three planes from Pretoria had successfully landed at Ladysmith Airfield the day before and had been warned not to depart too late from Virginia on the Sunday. Unfortunately they did… Several residents reported hearing the planes circling the town low overhead on Sunday evening shortly after 18:00.
The planes had intended to stop over in Ladysmith to refuel before continuing on to Pretoria.
According to ARCC chief of operations, Gregory Critchley, the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) has launched an urgent search & rescue (SAR) operation following the disappearance of a light aircraft carrying three individuals.
Also read: Plane crashes while another goes missing on training flight in KZN
The aircraft, which departed Virginia Airport at around 15:00 on June 8, failed to reach its alternate destination and was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown.
While ground SAR teams have been immediately deployed to the designated primary search area, aerial SAR units are grounded but are on high alert and ready to assist as soon as weather conditions permit.
The ARCC is committed to locating the missing aircraft and ensuring the safety of those on board. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and assist in this critical operation. For any sightings of the aircraft or information, please contact the ARCC on 0635054164 or 0635055485.
Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Sardine Run 2025: Scottburgh beach buzzing with netting action
Scottburgh beach seems to be the place to be this weekend for sardine netters and fishermen. According to South Coast Herald, there have been reports of dolphins, whales and the popular little silver fish in the area. Sardines were netted in Scottburgh earlier today, and beachgoers are hopeful that there will be even more action throughout the day. There have also been reports of netting in Umkomaas. Send your Sardine Run 2025 photos to vanisham@ Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Air India crash: Traffic saves student
A student is reeling after missing the deadly Air India flight that killed 241 passengers and 12 crew members. Bhoomi Chauhan was stuck in traffic which delayed her by 10 minutes. Despite checking-in online, the 28-year-old, was turned away by airline staff. Chauhan recalled being angry before leaving the airport in frustration. The business administration student who lives in London with her husband was in India for a holiday. Speaking to The BBC, Chauhan said shortly after leaving the airport, she received a call saying that the plane had crashed. 'This is totally a miracle for me. When I missed the flight, I was dejected. Only thing that I had in mind was, 'If I had started a little early, I would have boarded the plane',' she said. Meanwhile, the Global Indian Organisation (GIO) South Africa extended its sympathies to the families impacted by the heartbreaking plane crash. The organisation's president, Claudette Sigamoney said her thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the devastating and deadly plane crash. 'May the families of all those on board, alongside the emergency services attending the scene, find comfort, solace and the strength to persevere in these moments. May this tragic incident galvanise our collective humanity, inspiring us to come together in support of those affected, and may we find the courage to hold on to hope as we work towards a brighter future,' said Sigamoney. The organisation also paid tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and those providing support amid the deadly plane crash. 'May their selfless acts of kindness be a beacon of light in the darkness, illuminating a path forward filled with a collective capacity of compassion, resilience, hope and healing. Let us strive for peace, understanding, and support, empowering each other to create a more compassionate world,' added Sigamoney. At least eight people on the ground were also killed following the plane crash. However, one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived and was treated for injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation. According to reports, the Indian government is considering whether it should ground the Boeing-787 fleet in the country. The investigation also seeks to find out if Air India was at fault, following the plane crash. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Youth unites for heartfelt outreach initiative
ISIPINGO-BASED non-profit organisation Seva Bhakti Foundation, together with law enforcement, call on youth to join them as they venture out to the Durban CBD to hand out warm meals and beanies to at least 500 homeless individuals on Youth Day, June 16. Also read: Plumbers revamp Isipingo school's ablution facilities Seva Bhakti means 'to give back selflessly with love,' which according to Mandy Govender, one of the project's directors, describes the NPO's vision and team perfectly. 'We are inviting and encouraging young people to take part, not just by volunteering, but also by helping to raise funds and assisting in the preparation of food. As we mark a day that honours the strength and courage of South African youth, what better way to celebrate than by giving back? We want to help our youth understand the harsh realities of homelessness, and in doing so, foster compassion, gratitude, and purpose,' said Govender. She emphasised that the foundation hopes to show youth a better path than drugs and destructive choices. Youth from areas including Isipingo, Amanzimtoti, Bluff and Chatsworth are part of the outreach initiative. 'What I love most is seeing the youth come together with the same energy we had when we began our seva (selfless service) journey. I was just 19 when I started. We raised funds to help children, the elderly, and even cancer patients. Watching this next generation step up truly warms my heart,' added Govender. She urges parents to encourage their children to take part, youth to lead the charge with kindness and selflessness, and the community to support the initiative either by volunteering, donating or spreading the word. For more information, contact Mandy Govender on 083 706 2334 or youth ambassador Kamion Moodley on 081 516 7625. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
