Tragedy has struck the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands after both pilots involved in Wednesday’s twin aircraft crashes were confirmed dead.
The second pilot, whose aircraft went missing after a mayday call, was found early Thursday morning north of Boston in the Midlands. Provincial transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the discovery, expressing condolences to both families and thanking the search teams for their efforts.
“Sadly, the second pilot suffered fatal injuries,” Duma said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the two pilots. Recovery operations are currently under way.”
The first aircraft was located near Howick West on Wednesday evening, where the pilot was also declared dead at the scene. Both planes were flying from Johannesburg to Margate when they disappeared in heavy fog, which blanketed the region and likely contributed to the crash.
The Aeronautical Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre, alongside the SAPS search and rescue unit, led the overnight operation that eventually located both wrecks.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crashes. The Department of Transport’s Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division will be working closely with aviation authorities to determine what went wrong.
MEC Duma also reaffirmed the province’s ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety and infrastructure at airports including Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay, and Virginia.
The news has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and the Midlands region, as tributes pour in for the two experienced pilots who lost their lives.