Durban – The second missing aircraft has been found, where it crashed, and the pilot has been declared deceased.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, on Thursday, 16 October 2025, said he had received a report from experts from the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
“Around 07h20, we got a report from Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre and the SAPS [SA Police Service] Search and Rescue Unit indicating that they have found the second aircraft,” MEC Duma said.
“Unfortunately, the second pilot suffered fatal injuries.”
The pilot of the first missing aircraft, who was alone, was located on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, but the body could not be recovered owing to bad weather.
The first aircraft crashed near Nottingham Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, while the other was found North of Boston.
MEC Duma said the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division of the SA Civil Aviation Authority reported that both aircraft had departed in loose formation from Secunda Airport en route to Margate Regional Airport.
“I have tasked my office to be closer to the families of both pilots,” said MEC Duma.
“We want to assist in whatever possible way as part of easing the burden on the shoulders of both families.
It has since been established that one of the deceased pilots was from India.
The MEC said the process of repatriating the remains to India will begin.
“We pause to salute experts from the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre, SAPS, and other emergency teams from different spheres of government and the private sector,” said MEC Duma.
“The search and rescue team demonstrated efficiency and professionalism despite difficult terrains and grumpy weather.”
MEC Duma said today’s operation, which was augmented by a helicopter and drone, included clearing the crash sites and retrieving the bodies for later investigation and identification.
“We salute members of the media for their professionalism,” he said.
“While exercising the freedom of the press, the media covered the crash—the search and recovery process—with dignity.
“They displayed a deep understanding of the importance of adhering to strict protocols, which were established for the handling of the remains of the deceased.”
