Latest news with #ZSKFB
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Pilot and two passengers on missing aircraft in KZN, confirmed dead
"We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers," said MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN, Siboniso Duma. "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. The aircraft , which left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm on the day was reportedly operated by a student pilot. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft that went missing on Sunday has been found. However, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has confirmed that all three passengers aboard, were found dead. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB was last seen on Sunday. The aircraft took off from Virginia Airport, Durban, around 3pm and did not reach its intended destination. It was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown. Duma said they were informed by the ARCC that they would be handing over the matter to the SAPS's Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation. He said they were in communication with Zama Biyela, the mother of the late student pilot (Nqobile Biyela). "This is the most difficult period for her and the entire family. "Losing such a young great leader with a promising career in the aviation industry, under such circumstances, is not only tragic but devastating. "Officials from my office and Ayanda Msweli, the country's leading traffic anchor, are in touch with Biyela family and we will locate the other families to express our condolences, and we salute rescue teams for their display of efficiency." He singled out ARCC, SAPS Search and Rescue, Fire and Rescue Okhahlamba, Search and Rescue Zone Association, KZN Provincial EMS, Hamnet, ER24, Netcare911, Berg Flying, Greytown G911, Umboti Community Services, MTN and the Bhanoyi Airfield Estate for their efforts in the search mission. Meanwhile, Duma said his department had announced plans in April, through guidance from the aviation industry and the Economic Regulations for Transport Act, regarding major work being done at various airports in the province like Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay and Virginia Airports. "We are 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," he said. Additional Reporting: DAILY NEWS REPORTER
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
IOL News
3 days ago
- Climate
- IOL News
Three passengers missing after aircraft vanishes in KwaZulu-Natal
An aircraft has gone missing with passengers on board in KwaZulu-Natal. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB was last seen on Sunday. It was carrying three individuals. The aircraft left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm and did not reach its intended destination and was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown. The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma has announced that he is in touch with experts and officials from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) following the disappearance. Duma said that understanding the severe weather patterns predicted by the SA Weather Services (Saws), he has decided to support ARCC with their search and rescue activities.
