Durban – One of the two aircraft reported missing has been located using a drone, but terrible weather conditions have prevented rescuers from reaching the crash site.
Both aircraft were reported missing on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said: “Following the location of one of the two missing aircraft, we continue to liaise with experts from the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC).
MEC Duma said the pilot of the located aircraft was alone when he departed from Secunda Airport en route to Margate Regional Airport.
The aircraft crashed along the Nottingham Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, but could not be easily located owing to misty conditions.
“At 20h30, we received an update about search and rescue operations from the South African Police’s Search and Rescue Team,” MEC Duma said.
“With the assistance of a drone and cutting-edge technology, rescue teams located one pilot and an aircraft.
“Unfortunately, due to the bad weather conditions, rescue teams could not retrieve the body from the wreckage.”
MEC Duma said the search and rescue efforts were eventually suspended.
“However, experts from ARCC have informed us that two teams will resume the search at 06h00 tomorrow morning,” he said.
“We are saddened by the unfortunate death of the pilot. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
“We pray to God to give the families of the two pilots strength during this difficult period.
“We can imagine the pain experienced by the families of both pilots, especially the one who is still missing.”
Following the location of one of the two missing aircraft, MEC Duma said his department continues to liaise with experts from the ARCC.
MEC Duma said when the search resumes, “One team will search around the area where the first aircraft was located.
“The second team will search, South of Boston.”
MEC Duma has appealed to onlookers and motorists not to interfere with the search and rescue.
