NEARLY a month after his aircraft plunged into the sea during an aerobatic display, the family of veteran pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray await the outcome of a police investigation that will determine the identity of the body of a man found at North Beach on Friday evening.

The body of a man believed to be the aerobatic performer Blackwood-Murray, 61, washed ashore on Durban’s Bay of Plenty Beach at around 22:00. The heartbreaking discovery came after weeks of multi-agency search efforts, led by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), SAPS, Metro Police Search and Rescue, and local authorities.

Blackwood-Murray had been missing since August 14, when his Extra 300 aircraft (registration ZS-AEC) crashed into the ocean during the final leg of an aerobatic performance near Durban North Beach, in front of shocked onlookers.

Also Read: Unidentified body in a flight suit found on Durban shore

While formal identification is pending in accordance with police and forensic protocols, authorities say early indications strongly suggest the body is that of Blackwood-Murray. “The unidentifiable body was possibly washed out from the ocean and was wearing a flight suit. Preliminary investigations suggest it could be the pilot who crashed last month,” said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

An inquest docket has been opened by Durban Central SAPS to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The news has sent ripples through the aviation community and the public at large. Blackwood-Murray was known not only for his skill in the cockpit but for his years of service with SAA and his dazzling aerobatic displays.

To honour his life the Blackwood-Murray family had been planning to host a memorial for Andrew on September 28, at Rand Airport in Germiston.

Also Read: Wife of missing pilot bids farewell

On Facebook, his wife Kayla wrote: “Please join me in honouring my officer and gentleman, the love of my life and the person who gave me reason – Nashua Aerobatic Aircraft. He left in peace, he left me in pieces. I would so love to have you there to let him know what a hero he was and the hole he has left in all our hearts. Gone but never forgotten.”

Following the discovery last night, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed condolences to the family and praised the relentless work of all agencies involved in the recovery.

“We sincerely hope that the discovery of the body will assist his wife and the whole family to find closure after prolonged uncertainty and grief. We commend the NSRI, SAPS, and all other roleplayers for not giving up despite challenges.”

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