Tributes pour in as search persists for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray

Andrew Blackwood-Murray

Durban – The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed that investigations are under way into the Durban plane crash that left 61-year-old pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray missing.

The tragedy occurred on Thursday just before 2pm, when Blackwood-Murray’s Extra 300 aircraft (ZS-AEC), performing its final display for the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 at Virginia Airport, plunged into the sea off Suncoast Beach.

Video footage shared online showed the light aircraft looping before crashing into the ocean and skidding across the water.

SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola expressed deep sorrow, confirming that the authority’s Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) responded immediately.

“A search and rescue operation commenced shortly after the crash and is ongoing,” he said.

Director of Civil Aviation Poppy Khoza said the focus remains on the rescue mission while the AIID investigates the cause of the crash.

“We are saddened by the incident and are keeping the pilot, his family and friends in our thoughts as rescue efforts continue. Our appreciation goes to the teams on the ground for their tireless work,” she said.

Emergency services including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), ALS Paramedics, metro police, eThekwini municipal lifeguards, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) rushed to the scene.

The NSRI confirmed that wreckage has been recovered along the shoreline, with divers and rescue craft continuing the search at sea. Battery and Suncoast beaches were temporarily closed as operations continued.

On Friday, NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said search teams, assisted by municipal lifeguards and police divers, resumed operations at first light, while ALS Paramedics noted that efforts would regroup on Saturday after suspending the day’s recovery.

Tributes have since poured in for Blackwood-Murray, described by friends and colleagues as a “world-class pilot, gentleman, and passionate mentor.”

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