Latest news with #NextGenerationofAviationProfessionalsGlobalSummit2025
The South African
10 hours ago
- General
- The South African
Tributes flood social media for Durban plane-crash pilot
Search operations continue for Andrew Blackwood-Murray, the pilot whose aircraft crashed into the sea in Durban last Thursday. Image via Facebook @Justin de Reuck While search operations continue for Johannesburg pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, whose plane plunged into the ocean on Thursday, tributes have been flooding his social media pages. Andrew Blackwood-Murray was undertaking his final aerial display in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 at Virginia airport when beachgoers witnessed his plane crash into the sea near Battery Beach. A team of search and recovery services, led by police divers, is searching for the 61-year-old's body. ADVERTISEMENT Search operations continue in search of Andrew Blackwood-Murray The team has had to contend with poor weather conditions, which stalled search operations. While they have yet to recover the pilot's body, rescue services found plane wreckage. According to a statement by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) advanced search technology has been used during search operations. The NSRI, however does not believe the weather conditions hampered search operations as suggested by certain reports. 'We are appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris related to the light aircraft accident,' said NSRI Spokesperson, Craig Lambinon. Lambinon commended the aviation community and the public at large for their compassion and support during this time. Facebook was abuzz with messages of condolences to the family. One post shared by a friend Venessa Richardson read: 'Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot. Andrew was always willing to chat, no matter how busy he was. He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar.' ADVERTISEMENT Another friend, Ryan Douwie said: 'My heart bleeds Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I'm glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you as part of the Airways April intake.' Another poster Laura Moodley expressed sadness over his tragic death and conveyed her condolences to the Blackwood-Murray family. Fazila Naidoo remarked: 'Dear lord please let them find him, so his family and friend can have closure.' What are your thoughts on missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray's tragic death? 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
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Recovery efforts for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray continue in Durban
Search for missing pilot continues. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers The search and recovery operation for missing South African Airways (SAA) and aerobatic pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, 61, from Johannesburg, is ongoing along Durban's North Coast with no new developments reported as of Sunday. Police divers are leading the search, utilising advanced technology, and current weather and sea conditions have not hampered efforts. The incident occurred on Thursday, when Blackwood-Murray's ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft, performing its final display, crashed into the sea off Durban. Paramedics are on the beach together with SAPS and Metro Police Search and Rescue as well as NSRI trying to locate the missing pilot. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The crash happened near Suncoast Beach/Casino and Durban North Beach. The pilot was participating in an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, an annual global meeting organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The summit was hosted at both the Durban International Convention Centre and Virginia Airport. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene after people reported seeing the plane crash into the ocean. Parts of the aircraft wreckage have since been recovered. Following the incident, the eThekwini Municipality temporarily closed Battery Beach to residents and visitors, emphasising public safety and urging beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are underway. Family, friends, and colleagues of the missing man are being cared for, supported, and receive regular briefings during this difficult time. A tremendous outpouring of support and compassion from the aviation community, the public, and all involved has been commended. Tributes have been pouring in for Blackwood-Murray, with many describing him as a "world-class pilot and true gentleman". The search continues for missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray. Image: Facebook/Andrew Blackwood-Murray KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, visited the crash scene and was briefed by the Director of the SA Civil Aviation Authority, Ms. Poppy Khoza, who affirmed that AIID has taken over to conduct an extensive investigation into the accident's causes. Authorities 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 or at sea. Findings can be reported to the Police at 10111, to the NSRI EOC at 0870949774, or on marine VHF radio to Durban Radio (Telkom Maritime Radio Services) or Durban Port Control, to support the AIID and Police investigation.
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
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Ongoing search for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray after tragic Durban aircraft crash
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed that the investigation into the tragic plane crash that occurred off the Durban coastline is continuing, with 61-year-old pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray still missing. Blackwood-Murray was part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport. The accident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. On Friday, Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the SACAA, expressed sorrow over the incident, revealing that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) was promptly on the scene to initiate an investigation. The Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza, stated that the focus remains on the ongoing mission to find Blackwood-Murray. 'We are saddened by the incident and are keeping the pilot, family and friends in our thoughts as rescue efforts continue," she said. "Our focus now is on the mission currently unfolding, appreciating the efforts of the teams on the ground and wishing them strength as they continue with the mission." Following the crash on Thursday, eThekwini Municipality announced the closure of Battery Beach as the search continues.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Tributes pour in for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray after Durban plane crash
Tributes have been pouring in for pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, who went missing following a plane crash in Durban on Thursday. Blackwood-Murray was part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport. The accident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. Emergency services rushed to the Suncoast Beach after people reported seeing a plane crashing into the ocean. eThekwini Municipality announced the closure of Battery Beach while the search continues. National Sea Rescue Institute duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan said the search continues, and eThekwini Municipal lifeguards have deployed resources to search out to sea in an ongoing effort to recover wreckage beyond the breakers. "The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and to provide a platform for Police divers and Metro Police divers in ongoing scuba dive search efforts," he said.
