Latest news with #AeronauticalRescueCoordinationCentre
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Three killed in light aircraft crash in KZN
On Sunday it came to light that authorities were searching for a 'missing' light aircraft that had departed from Durban's Virginia Airport on Sunday. Rescuers have now found the wreckage, and all three occupants deceased – including a student pilot – with the plane appearing to have crashed into sugar cane fields. The aircraft was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown. The provincial Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the department is working with the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre on the matter 'ARCC informed us that they will be handing over the matter to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation. 'We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers,' Duma said. Authorities are currently continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Missing aircraft in KZN: All three passengers confirmed dead
The Pyper Cherokee aircraft that went missing on Sunday with has been found. However, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has announced that all three passengers aboard, have been found dead. The aircraft which left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm was reportedly operated by a student pilot. "ARCC informed us that they will be handing over the matter to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation. "We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers," said MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN, Siboniso Duma.
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Search intensifies for missing light aircraft carrying three in KZN Midlands
A search is under way to locate a Piper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB which took off from Virginia Airport on Sunday but cannot be located. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said on Monday that his department is in constant contact with the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) following the aircraft's disappearance. 'We are in touch with experts and officials from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) following the disappearance of a light aircraft carrying three individuals,' Duma said in a statement. The Piper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB departed Virginia Airport at around 3pm on Sunday, 8 June 2025, but failed to reach its destination. It was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards Pietermaritzburg or Greytown. Severe weather patterns in the area are believed to have hampered the flight. Duma said provincial authorities are now supporting the national search and rescue operations. 'Understanding severe weather patterns as forecast by the SA Weather Services, we have taken a decision to assist ARCC in their search and rescue operations,' he said. Well-known traffic anchor Ayanda Msweli is liaising with the family of the female pilot aboard the aircraft, according to Duma. The MEC outlined steps being taken to support the rescue mission. 'We wish to announce the following: Head of the Department Siboniso Mbheli is ensuring the coordination of KZN Transport Forums in uMgungundlovu and uThukela districts. Activation of structures and leaders of communities to be part of the search and rescue team in the primary area identified by ARCC. Liaison with the families of the missing pilot and other individuals,' Duma said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He added that the department is collaborating with multiple stakeholders to ensure an effective response. 'We are working with ARCC, South African Police Service in Greytown and other key experts that will ensure the successful search and rescue operation,' he said. Duma also highlighted broader provincial efforts to develop aviation infrastructure, noting that KZN is 'currently harmonising our work with relevant departments such as SA Aviation Authority, Airport Company of South Africa, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.' The search for the aircraft remains ongoing. THE MERCURY
