2 days ago
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.
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