Search for Missing Pilot Resumes After Durban Airshow Tragedy

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – The search for a missing pilot has resumed off Battery Beach in Durban, a day after a light aircraft plunged into the sea during an aerial display at the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Summit.

Aviation Summit Turns Tragic

The summit, aimed at inspiring high school learners to explore careers in aviation, took a dark turn when the small aircraft went down yesterday afternoon. Spectators, including many children, initially thought the crash was part of the aerobatic show before realising the aircraft had actually crashed.

Authorities confirmed that the missing pilot is a 61-year-old man from Johannesburg, who was flying alone at the time of the incident. His identity has not yet been officially released.

READ: Search and Rescue Underway After Light Aircraft Crashes into Sea at Durban’s Suncoast Beach |

Search and Rescue Efforts

Parts of the aircraft wreckage were recovered yesterday, but search efforts were temporarily halted before dusk due to poor visibility and high tides.

Multiple agencies are involved in the ongoing operations, including:

• South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Durban Metro Police Search and Rescue Unit
• National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)

Search operations resumed at 8am this morning, with authorities yet to clarify whether the mission remains a search and rescue or has shifted to a search and recovery effort.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the crash has not been determined. Investigators are expected to examine the recovered wreckage as part of the ongoing probe into the incident.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the aviation summit, leaving spectators and young learners in shock. Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the area while search operations continue.