The search for the missing pilot who went missing after his light aircraft crashed into Battery Beach in Durban has now ended.
According to Daily Sun, a body believed to be that of pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray (61) from Joburg has been found. It was discovered on Friday night, 12 September, washed out by the sea.
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The pilot was the only occupant of the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that crashed during its final display at an airshow on Thursday, 14 August.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlement Siboniso Duma said they were informed about the discovery of what’s suspected to be the body of the South African Airways (SAA) and aerobatic pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray.
The body washed up on Durban Beach.
“It should be remembered that on 14 August I addressed members of the media at Durban North Beach near Suncoast following an aircraft crash.
“Subsequently, the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division confirmed that around 13h45, a ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft crashed into the ocean just when it was performing its final display,” he said.
MEC Duma said at this stage, they wish to indicate that he has mandated his office to liaise with the SAPS and other relevant authorities. He said they trust their capacity to manage this sensitive matter.
“For my part, I will be liaising with the Mayor of eThekwini, councillor Cyril Xaba, and the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy.”
“Importantly, we sincerely hope that the discovery of the body of Andrew Blackwood-Murray will assist his wife and the whole family to find closure after a prolonged uncertainty and grief. We pray to God to give them strength,” he said.
He said they commend the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), SAPS and all other role-players for their multi-agency search efforts. They did not give up despite challenges.
Duma said he’s hopeful that the discovery of the body will assist the family of Andrew Blackwood-Murray to find closure after a prolonged uncertainty and grief.
KZN cops spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police in Durban Central have opened an inquest docket for investigation following the recovery of a body along the Bay of Plenty Beach in the Durban Beachfront on Friday night, 12 September.
“The unidentifiable body was possibly washed out from the ocean and was wearing a flight suit.
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“Preliminary investigations suggest that it could be the body of the pilot who crashed into the sea last month.”
“However, formal identification processes will be conducted to ascertain the body’s identity,” he said.
