Durban – A pilot has died after two aircraft went missing near Nottingham Road in KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands area on Wednesday.
The search for the second missing aircraft is ongoing, with multiple agencies, including SAPS Search and Rescue, Mountain SAR, and IPSS Medical Rescue, involved in the operation.
The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirmed that one aircraft was found west of Howick, with the pilot — the sole occupant — suffering fatal injuries.
“The SAR [search and rescue] operation continues to locate the missing second aircraft,” ARCC chief of operations, Gregory Critchley said in a statement.
He said both planes had failed to reach their destinations after one issued a distress call earlier in the day.
DEVELOPING | A light aircraft that crashed near Nottingham Road in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal in the afternoon, has been found, while another is still missing. Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre official Gregory Critchley says the aircrafts were from Mpumalanga. pic.twitter.com/4d4SQ1btvs
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 15, 2025
Authorities have urged the public to report any sightings or information about the second aircraft.
This latest incident follows another recent aviation tragedy in the province, where the body of missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray was found on Durban’s beachfront, a month after his aircraft crashed into the sea during an air show.
[BREAKING NEWS] One person confirmed dead: first of the two missing planes found in the KZN Midlands. Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, Gregory Critchley has more details.
Watch: https://t.co/iJJT7jYcFO
Tune into #Newzroom405 for more updates on this story. pic.twitter.com/T7i8rp50f2
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 15, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
