Rescue teams continue search for missing pilot after Durban plane crash
The search for a missing pilot is set to resume on Friday.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Rescue teams are expected to continue their search for a pilot, aged 61, who went missing following a plane crash in Durban on Thursday.
The accident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea.
Emergency services rushed to the Suncoast Beach after people reported seeing a plane crashing into the ocean.
Emergency services and response teams at the scene
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the pilot, who was part of an airshow, was in the air demonstrating his skills when the aircraft crashed.
"Police Search and Rescue teams, working together with their private counterparts, have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft, and the search for the pilot is ongoing," he said
Meanwhile, the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed that an investigation is under way.
"The AIID will provide updates as soon as further information is available," said Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson, Sisa Majola.
Rescue teams carry part of the plane recovered from the sea
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
The eThekwini Municipality said the beach area has been closed to residents and visitors.
"The safety of the public remains our top priority, and we urge all beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are underway," the City said.
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