Durban plane crash, missing pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, aviation accident, Extra 300 aircraft, NSRI, SACAA investigation, North Beach crash, aerobatic pilot, aviation community
The search is still underway for 61-year-old Andrew Blackwood-Murray, the seasoned aerobatic pilot who went missing after his light aircraft crashed into the ocean off Durban’s North Beach near Suncoast Casino on Thursday afternoon.
Blackwood-Murray was performing as part of an aviation showcase tied to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit when his Extra 300 aircraft plunged into the sea.
Emergency responders, including the NSRI, SAPD divers, and eThekwini lifeguards, swiftly launched a large-scale search and recovery operation. Despite extensive efforts along the shoreline and offshore, the veteran pilot has not yet been found.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed that its Accident and Incident Investigations Division is now formally investigating the cause of the crash.
Tributes from across the aviation community continue to pour in, remembering Blackwood-Murray as not just a skilled pilot, but a mentor and inspiration to aspiring aviators across the country.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the search zone to ensure the operation continues safely and without obstruction.
As hopes for recovery persist, the incident has cast a somber shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of aviation excellence.
