Pilot and two passengers on missing aircraft in KZN, confirmed dead
"Investigation launched after Pyper Cherokee aircraft tragedy in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: Supplied
The Pyper Cherokee aircraft that went missing on Sunday has been found. However, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has confirmed that all three passengers aboard, were found dead.
The aircraft, which left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm on the day was reportedly operated by a student pilot.
"ARCC informed us that they will be handing over the matter to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation.
"We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers," said MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN, Siboniso Duma.
The Pyper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB was last seen on Sunday.
The aircraft took off from Virginia Airport, Durban, around 3pm and did not reach its intended destination. It was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown.
Duma said they were informed by the ARCC that they would be handing over the matter to the SAPS’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the official investigation.
He said they were in communication with Zama Biyela, the mother of the late student pilot (Nqobile Biyela).
"This is the most difficult period for her and the entire family.
"Losing such a young great leader with a promising career in the aviation industry, under such circumstances, is not only tragic but devastating.
"Officials from my office and Ayanda Msweli, the country’s leading traffic anchor, are in touch with Biyela family and we will locate the other families to express our condolences, and we salute rescue teams for their display of efficiency."
He singled out ARCC, SAPS Search and Rescue, Fire and Rescue Okhahlamba, Search and Rescue Zone Association, KZN Provincial EMS, Hamnet, ER24, Netcare911, Berg Flying, Greytown G911, Umboti Community Services, MTN and the Bhanoyi Airfield Estate for their efforts in the search mission.
Meanwhile, Duma said his department had announced plans in April, through guidance from the aviation industry and the Economic Regulations for Transport Act, regarding major work being done at various airports in the province like Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay and Virginia Airports.
"We are currently harmonising our work with relevant departments such as SA Aviation Authority, Airport Company of South Africa, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs," he said.
Additional Reporting: DAILY NEWS REPORTER
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