Pilot confirmed dead as missing plane found near Barberton

A light aircraft which was reported missing on Thursday has been found in a remote area near Barberton, Mpumalanga, with the pilot confirmed dead, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre confirmed on Saturday.

The plane had departed from King Mswati III International Airport (Sikhuphe) and was en route to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) when it disappeared, prompting an intensive search and rescue operation.

Search efforts resumed on Saturday morning. 

Three helicopters, Leading Edge, Netcare HEMS (Aeromed4) and Fidelity Security Services, joined ground-based search and rescue teams combing the rugged terrain.

The breakthrough came when aerial teams identified wreckage within one of the designated search zones.

“Tragically, the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft was found deceased at the scene,” the ARCC said. 

“We extend our condolences to the pilot’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

The ARCC expressed gratitude to all agencies and volunteers who assisted in the complex operation.

“Special thanks to Leading Edge, Netcare HEMS (Aeromed4), Fidelity Security Services (Helicopter), SAPS Provincial Disaster Management and Emergency Services, Mpumalanga Department of Health EMS, SARZA (Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo), HAMNET (Gauteng), Mountain Club of South Africa Search and Rescue (Gauteng), GroundSAR (K9 Gauteng), MAES, ER24, Emer-G-Med, IPSS Security, Barberton Nature Reserve, SAPPI and Envirovision Solutions,” it said.

The ARCC also commended the bravery, dedication and resilience of everyone involved in the operation.

The accident scene has been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Investigation Division for further investigation, the ARCC said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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