Durban’s popular North Beach area has been closed to the public after the horrific plane crash left a veteran pilot missing and prompted a large-scale rescue operation.
The crash happened just before 14:00 on Thursday, 14 August, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft, performing its final display at an airshow, plunged into the sea in full view of onlookers.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after beachgoers reported the plane going down.
Search for missing pilot ongoing at Durban beach
According to IOL, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the 61-year-old pilot was demonstrating aerial skills when the aircraft went down.
“Police Search and Rescue teams, working together with private counterparts, have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft, and the search for the pilot is ongoing,” Netshiunda said.
The operation, led by Police Search and Rescue divers, also involves the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), and national aviation authorities.
The AIID has launched a formal investigation, with Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola confirming updates will follow as more information about the plane crash becomes available.
In the meantime, the eThekwini Municipality has cordoned off the Durban North beach area, warning residents and visitors to stay away.
“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.
Several other Durban beaches are also currently closed for swimming, due to poor water quality. These include:
- REUNION
- WESTBROOK
- ANSTEY’S BEACH
- DOONSIDE BEACH
- WINKLESPRUIT
Did you see the crash?
Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
