Latest news with #Blackwood-Murray
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- IOL News
WATCH: Search for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray enters day four
The search for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray entered its fourth day on Monday. His aircraft, the ZS-AEC Extra 300, plunged into the sea during an aviation display that took place on Thursday. The wreckage of the plane has been located and retrieved, but the pilot remains unaccounted for. Multi-agency teams, including ALS Paramedics, Police Search and Rescue divers, NSRI units, the South African Navy, the SACAA, ARCC, and the Accident and Incident Investigation Divisio,n are continuing systematic search operations. Authorities underscore the ongoing challenge of locating Blackwood-Murray, even as favourable weather and sea conditions have allowed the search to persist uninterrupted.
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Missing pilot: Sea rescue institute appeals to public to report found plane debris
There are no new developments in the ongoing search for missing aerobatic pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray off Durban's central coastline. Berea Mail reports that Blackwood-Murray's plane crashed during an aerial display near Suncoast beach on Thursday. He is from Johannesburg. The spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Craig Lambinon, said: 'We are appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris – that may be related to the light aircraft accident, along the Durban shoreline and at sea – to police at 10111, to NSRI EOC [Emergency Operations Centre] at 087 094 9774 or on marine VHF radio to Durban Radio (Telkom Maritime Radio Services) or Durban Port Control, so that any findings can be recovered to support the Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the police investigation into the catastrophic incident.' He continued: 'Advanced technology and advanced search technology continues to be deployed in the search. Weather and sea conditions have not been a factor and have not hampered ongoing search efforts.' The search is being led by police divers supported by aviation and aeronautical authorities. Other services involved include NSRI Durban and NSRI Umhlanga, SAPS, the Police Air Wing, police communications, the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Transnet National Ports Authority, Port of Durban Port Control, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, the South African Navy, eThekwini Municipal authorities, eThekwini Metro Police and Metro Police Search and Rescue, eThekwini lifeguards, and is assisted by EC Government Health EMS, Government Health Forensic Pathology Services, Netcare 911 ambulance services and Red Line Response ambulance services. Watch the video of the crash: 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
The South African
2 days ago
- General
- 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.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Search continues for pilot in fatal crash
Pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray died in a fatal crash in Durban Image: Justin de Reuck / Facebook Andrew Blackwood-Murray has been described as the most conscientious and careful pilot. His tragic death on Thursday when the Extra 300 aircraft, a two-seat aerobatic monoplane, he was piloting crashed into the sea, left family and friends baffled as to what caused the crash. Blackwood-Murray, 61, an airline and former air force pilot, from Johannesburg, was at the time performing a final display during an airshow near Durban's Battery Beach. Blackwood-Murray's wife Kyla said she was devastated and beyond heartbroken. "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. I am beyond heartbroken. Just to have one more day with him. If only," wrote Kyla in a tribute on social media. 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 ✕ Ad loading Anton van Niekerk said his cousin was doing what he loved most during his tragic passing, flying aerobatics. "Despite all the confirmation, recovery of parts of his unique plane, the release of the registration and every other proof it was him, it was still unbelievable, unreal in every sense of the word. "Andrew was the most conscientious and responsible pilot I have ever flown with. It was always an honour for him to take us on aerobatic flips and formation flights. "Andrew was a man of impeccable honour, ethics, morals and values. He was accepting and welcoming of everyone. His incredible humour I absolutely loved and we would tease each other mercilessly when we got together, always sharing a laugh. The pain and sadness at his passing is excruciating. If he was ever passing over our property after a show he would buzz the house and now and again give us our own personal display, what a great man," said Van Niekerk. He said Blackwood-Murray, a Michaelhouse School old boy, was up there amongst the best aerobatic pilots in the country. "He was meticulous and careful and never took unnecessary risks. Nobody knows what caused the accident," he said. Justin de Reuck, an aviation photographer, said he had the pleasure to fly with Blackwood-Murray on photographic shoots. "Andrew was the nicest guy and gentleman. He never had an angry word. "He was a great aerobatic pilot. We are puzzled by what has happened and we are never going to know. I hope that he is found to help the family find closure," said De Reuck. Long time family friend Bev Shapland described the father of one as an excellent pilot and well respected gentleman within the aviation industry. "He was extremely conscientious and meticulous that everything was in order. He participated in the top airshows in the country. He had love and a zest for life and his family," said Shapland. The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) were investigating the cause of the crash. Police divers were yesterday continuing in the search operation for the missing pilot. Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan, NSRI Durban duty coxswain, said the NSRI Durban station 5 rescue base was utilised as a command post for the JOCC (Joint Operations Command Centre) in the ongoing search operation led by Police Search and Rescue divers, in cooperation with ARCC (Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre) and Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), as well as aviation authorities. Poppy Khoza, director of Civil Aviation, said: 'We are saddened by the incident and are keeping the pilot, family and friends in our thoughts as rescue efforts continue," said Khoza. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
I am beyond heartbroken, says wife of missing pilot
Kyla Blackwood-Murray, the wife of the pilot who went missing after his aircraft crashed into the ocean near Durban on Thursday, has published a moving tribute to her husband, Andrew (61). The accident happened on Thursday afternoon when the pilot showcased sky displays near Suncoast Beach. He was part of the sky festivities that wrapped up an international aviation expo for learners, Berea Mail reports. Kyla wrote on Facebook: 'Yesterday I said goodbye to my most favourite boy in the whole wide world. It was the call I had 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.' She writes that her husband brought her more joy than she imagined possible. 'I am beyond heartbroken. Just to have one more day with him. If only.' The pilot remains missing while the search for his body continues. The Witness reports Blackwood-Murray, an aerobatic pilot from Johannesburg, had been performing his last display at an airshow during the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 that took place at the Virginia airport. Videos circulating on social media depict his spiral formation before suddenly crashing into the sea. Multiple search and rescue personnel have been scouring the area since Thursday afternoon, bringing fractured pieces of the ZS-AEC Extra 300 to the shore, while scuba divers searched the water for Blackwood-Murray's body. On hearing the news, friends and family have flooded his Facebook with tributes and condolences. A decades-old friend, John Walland, shared a personal post. 'Andrew was not only a world-class pilot, but a true gentleman whose warmth, passion, and skill touched so many lives. Despite a massive search and rescue effort, the aviation world has lost one of its very best. Condolences to his lovely wife Kyla and family. Rest in peace, Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved,' it read. Others shared tributes under a recent post by Blackwood-Murray, from a few days ago during the Virgina Airshow, where he was participating in a 'Missing Man Formation as a tribute to another fallen pilot, Captain Lorrie Raath. Paul Sabatier wrote: 'Fly high on Silver Wings. Cleared due West at own speed and altitude. Venessa Richardson commented on his character, stating he was 'always willing to chat, no matter how busy he was' and that he was a gentleman, a common word used to describe Blackwood-Murray. Vuyo Wakaba wrote: 'You were a friend and mentor and I am honoured to have known you. Thank you and rest easy. You lived life to the full and touched many lives.' Cheneyke Brandao-Coles described his his passion for aviation. 'Andrew's passion for aviation was clear to all who knew him. He lived his dream at full throttle, and he died doing what he loved most. His dedication is a reminder that aviation is not just a profession — it's a bond between human courage and the vast, open sky,' Brandao-Coles said. 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
