AIID probes cause of two plane crashes that claimed three lives
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has been tasked with investigating two aircraft crashes that claimed the lives of three people in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
On Sunday night, a light aircraft with three people onboard went missing and was recovered on Monday.
Plane crash
The three aircraft had formed a part of a loose formation that departed from the Virginia Airport in Durban to Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria, with the intent of refuelling at the Ladysmith Airport in northern KZN.
AIID spokesperson Sisa Majola said that since the Ladysmith Airport did not have night facilities, the three aircraft diverted to nearby Greytown Airport.
'The first accident occurred when a Piper Cherokee (Registration: ZS-CZU) crashed into bushy terrain on approach to the Greytown Airport. The two pilots on board were not injured, but the aircraft was damaged. A second aircraft landed safely'.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Tragic turn after missing aircraft disappears in KZN Midlands
Third aircraft crash
Majola said on Monday morning, 9 June 2025, there was an official search for the third aircraft, a ZS-KF.
'That concluded with the wreckage being located in Greytown by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre team. The three occupants on board were declared dead by the South African Police Services.
'The AIID investigators have been dispatched to both sites to collate evidence, where a preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days from the day of the accident,' Majola said.
The AIID extended its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
Joburg aircraft crash
Last week, a pilot was killed and a passenger injured in a light aircraft crash in Johannesburg. The accident occurred in Lanseria at about 10 am.
Majola stated that the aircraft departed from Lanseria International Airport (FALA) and crashed moments after takeoff.
Majola said the aircraft crashed within the perimeter of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
'There were two on board the aircraft (pilot and passenger), with the pilot fatally injured. The passenger was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital.
'AIID has dispatched investigators to the site. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days from the date of this accident,' Majola said.
The AIID extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the pilot and the injured passenger.
ALSO READ: Creecy steps in to resolve dispute over Acsa baggage screening services
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Missing 6-year-old child found drowned in pool in Durban
Paramedics were informed that the missing child in the Umbilo area of Durban. A 6-year-old child who was reported missing has tragically been found drowned in a pool at a home in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said they were informed of the missing child in the Umbilo area of Durban on Monday evening, around 6pm. Call out 'Paramedics were placed on standby. Around 08:35pm, patrollers and security officials, combing the area, found the child in a residential pool in Brazilia Place in the Umbilo area. 'Immediately, the child was pulled from the pool, and paramedics were dispatched to assist. Unfortunately, the child had suffered fatal injuries, and there was nothing Paramedics could do for the little boy, who was 6 years old, and he was declared deceased on the scene,' Jamieson said. Jamieson added that the scene was cordoned off and handed over to the South African Police Services (Saps) for investigations 'At this stage, the exact events leading up to the drowning are unknown; however, Saps were in attendance and will be investigating further.' ALSO READ: Search continues for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray Missing pilot Meanwhile, the search for Johannesburg pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray continued on Monday following the light aircraft crash last week. Rescue boats took to the water from 8.30am to search for the pilot. The accident occurred just before 2pm on Thursday, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. Investigation Video footage circulated on social media showed the light aircraft looping in the sky before plummeting into the ocean and skidding for a distance. Emergency services, including ALS Paramedics, the Saps and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), rushed to the scene of the incident in front of Suncoast Beach. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) said its Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) is probing the cause of the crash. Tributes have been pouring in for Blackwood-Murray following the plane crash. ALSO READ: 10 year old died after falling into open manhole in Soweto
The South African
21 hours ago
- The South African
Caught on camera: Durban plane crash sparks backlash against bystanders
Videos of accidents and plane crashes are increasingly flooding social media, raising questions about whether people are more inclined to record incidents than to step in and help. The latest incident comes from Australia, where a light aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on a golf course. Footage shared widely online shows the plane flying low before hitting the ground, sparking a major debate. The incident is believed to have happened when a flying lesson went wrong. A pilot instructor and his student crash landed on Sunday, 17 August. Footage shows the plane flying low over the golf course before hitting the ground. Meanwhile, two people recording the video can be heard asking if someone called the ambulance, and another says that someone should call emergency services. According to ABC News , the Piper Cherokee aircraft sustained damage to its wing and landing gear. The pilot instructor and his student were treated for minor injuries before being taken to hospital. Authorities suspect engine trouble as the cause of the plane crash. The behaviour of the bystanders in the video came under scrutiny, with many criticising their response following the plane crash. Michael Byrne criticised the response, saying: 'Drop the bleeding phone and run to help.' Richard Ashton commented: 'Just as well the first thing you do is run with the phone recording.' Another viewer, Rebecca Gutierrez, remarked: 'It seemed like no one called 911.' 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 South African
2 days ago
- The South African
NSRI offers latest update on missing Durban plane crash pilot
The search and recovery operation for missing SAA and aerobatic pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray continues along Durban's North Coast, with no new developments reported, according to a NSRI statement on Sunday morning. Blackwood-Murray, 61, went missing after a light aircraft crash during an aerobatic display last week at the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit near Suncoast Beach, Durban. Despite intensive efforts, his body has yet to be found. Police Search and Rescue divers are leading the operation, supported by a multi-agency coalition including: NSRI Durban and Umhlanga SA Navy and SAPS Air Wing Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) eThekwini lifeguards, Metro Police, and EMS Authorities report that favourable weather and sea conditions have allowed uninterrupted search efforts, with advanced search technologies being deployed on land and sea. Officials are appealing to the public and maritime community to report any potential debris from the wreckage. Findings can be reported via: Police emergency: 10111 NSRI Emergency Operations Centre: 087 094 9774 Marine VHF radio to Durban Radio or Durban Port Control These findings may assist ongoing investigations being conducted by the AIID and police into the cause of the crash. Authorities have confirmed that the family, friends, and colleagues of Blackwood-Murray are receiving continuous support and regular briefings during this difficult time. The aviation community and general public have shown strong solidarity, with many laying flowers at Battery Beach and paying tribute to the veteran pilot, described by colleagues as a 'world-class aviator and true gentleman.' 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.
