Tributes pour in for missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray after Durban plane crash
The search continues for missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray
Image: Facebook
Tributes have been pouring in for pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, who went missing following a plane crash in Durban on Thursday.
Blackwood-Murray was part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport.
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.
eThekwini Municipality announced the closure of Battery Beach while the search continues.
National Sea Rescue Institute duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan said the search continues, and eThekwini Municipal lifeguards have deployed resources to search out to sea in an ongoing effort to recover wreckage beyond the breakers.
"The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and to provide a platform for Police divers and Metro Police divers in ongoing scuba dive search efforts," he said.
Rescue teams with the plane wreckage
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Tributes
Taking to social media, many of Blackwood-Murray's friends shared tributes, describing him as a "world-class pilot and true gentleman".
John Walland shared that the 61-year-old was a warm and passionate man whose skills touched so many lives.
"Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved," he said.
Tributes were also shared on Blackwood-Murray's last Facebook post.
"Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot. Andrew was always willing to chat, no matter how busy he was. He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar," shared Venessa Richardson.
"My heart bleeds Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I’m glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you as part of the Airways April intake," added Ryan Douwie.