Both pilots confirmed dead after aircraft disappeared over KwaZulu-Natal

Katlego Sekhu

Two aircraft went missing over KwaZulu-Natal earlier this week.
Both aircraft have now been located, with the pilots of each confirmed dead at the crash sites.
Recovery efforts were initially hampered by adverse weather conditions.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has confirmed that rescue teams have located the second aircraft that went missing in the province earlier this week.

Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the second aircraft was found just before 07h30am on Thursday morning, 16 October 2025, following extensive search efforts coordinated by the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre and the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit.

“We received a report from the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre and the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit indicating that they have found the second aircraft. Unfortunately, the pilot suffered fatal injuries,” Sibiya said.

The confirmation comes a day after the first aircraft was located near Nottingham Road, with its pilot also declared dead at the scene. Both planes had been reported missing earlier in the week after departing from Secunda Airport, with one en route to Margate Regional Airport.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the department continues to work closely with aviation authorities and has welcomed an investigation into the incidents by the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of both pilots and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families. We pray that God gives them strength during this difficult time,” said Duma.

Duma added that despite adverse weather conditions that hampered operations earlier in the week, the dedication of the ARCC and SAPS rescue teams made it possible to bring the search to a close.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate remains deployed around the Nottingham Road area to manage traffic and ensure that recovery operations continue safely. The department has urged motorists and onlookers to avoid interfering with rescue teams on site.

In a broader update, Duma reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening KwaZulu-Natal’s aviation infrastructure in line with the Economic Regulations for Transport Act.

“We continue to collaborate with partners such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to improve safety standards across the province,” he said.