2 days ago
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.
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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
