What was meant to be a thrilling afternoon for spectators at Durban’s North Beach turned into a scene of shock and concern.
The skies, once filled with the roar of a high-speed aerobatic aircraft, fell silent after a tragic accident left a veteran pilot missing and emergency crews scrambling into action.
Dramatic Crash in Front of Onlookers
The incident happened just before 2 pm on Thursday, 14 August, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft was performing its final display at an airshow.
In full view of beachgoers, the plane suddenly plunged into the sea, creating panic and disbelief among those watching from the shore.
Witnesses quickly alerted emergency services, prompting a rapid response from rescue teams who raced to the water’s edge.
Search Efforts Intensify
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the missing pilot is a 61-year-old man who had been showcasing his aerial skills moments before the crash.
“Police Search and Rescue teams, working together with private counterparts, have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft, and the search for the pilot is ongoing,” Netshiunda said.
The operation is being spearheaded by Police Search and Rescue divers and involves multiple agencies, including the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), and national aviation authorities.
Investigation Underway
The Accident and Incident Investigation Division has officially launched a probe into the crash.
Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed that updates will be provided as soon as more details are uncovered about what went wrong during the flight.
Public Safety Measures in Place
In the meantime, eThekwini Municipality has cordoned off the entire Durban North Beach area.
Officials have urged residents and visitors to avoid the location while the search continues.
“The safety of the public remains our top priority, and we urge all beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are underway,” the City stated.
Other Durban Beaches Closed for Swimming
This closure comes at a time when several other beaches in Durban are already off-limits due to poor water quality. These include:
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Reunion
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Westbrook
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Anstey’s Beach
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Doonside Beach
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Winklespruit
Witnesses Urged to Come Forward
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have seen the crash to share their accounts, either by commenting online or sending a WhatsApp message to 060 011 021 1.
The community waits anxiously for news, hoping rescue teams will bring answers — and closure — to a day that began with celebration but ended in uncertainty.