A search operation led by South Africa’s Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has ended in tragedy after a missing light aircraft was discovered with all three occupants confirmed dead. The plane disappeared on Sunday afternoon while flying over KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Siboniso Duma, the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, provided updates on the incident in two statements issued on Monday. According to Duma, the aircraft departed from Virginia Airport in Durban at approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 8, 2025. It was en route to an unspecified alternate location but never arrived. The last radar contact indicated that the plane was flying over Ladysmith and was believed to be heading south toward either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown.
Weather conditions at the time were challenging. The South African Weather Services had issued warnings for severe thunderstorms and possible snowfall in various parts of the province, conditions expected to persist from June 7 through June 11. These adverse forecasts prompted provincial authorities to step in and assist the ARCC in their search and rescue efforts.
“The severe weather made the operation especially difficult,” said Duma. “Nonetheless, we remained committed to supporting the ARCC’s efforts to locate the missing aircraft and those on board.”
Despite extensive efforts, the outcome was grim. In a follow-up statement on Monday afternoon, Duma confirmed that all three individuals aboard the aircraft had been located but did not survive the crash. Among the deceased was a student pilot, though the identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released.
“This is a deeply sorrowful moment,” said Duma. “We have received official word from ARCC that the passengers were found deceased. The matter will now be handed over to the South African Police Service’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division, in coordination with the South African Civil Aviation Authority, for a full investigation into the cause of the crash.”
Authorities have not yet released further details on the aircraft model or what may have led to the crash. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, weather conditions, and the wreckage site in the coming days.
Duma extended his condolences on behalf of the provincial government, saying, “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We hope the investigation will provide them with the answers they deserve.”
The incident has raised concerns about flight safety amid rapidly changing weather conditions in the region, particularly for small aircraft. The investigation is expected to shed light on whether weather, mechanical issues, or other factors played a role in the tragedy.