KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has confirmed that the department is working closely with the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) in the ongoing search for a light aircraft that went missing in the Midlands yesterday.

The Witness reports that, according to Field Security, which is leading the ground operation, three light aircraft took off from Virginia Airport in Durban yesterday afternoon. They were reportedly en route to Pretoria with a refueling stop scheduled at Ladysmith.

One of the planes crash-landed in sugarcane fields near Greytown. The three passengers on board sustained only minor injuries.

A second plane turned back and landed safely at Ladysmith Airport.

However, the third aircraft, which also had three people on board, lost all communication last night and has not yet been located. It was last tracked flying south of Ladysmith, heading in the direction of Pietermaritzburg or Greytown.

“We are in touch with experts and officials from the ARCC following the disappearance of a light aircraft carrying three individuals,” said Duma in a statement issued this morning.

He added that one of KZN’s well-known traffic broadcasters, Ayanda Msweli, is liaising directly with the family of the female pilot believed to have been flying the aircraft.

Given the inclement weather conditions forecast by the South African Weather Service, Duma said the provincial government had activated several support measures to aid the search.

“We have taken a decision to assist ARCC in their search and rescue operations. This includes co-ordinating local transport forums in Umgungundlovu and Uthukela districts and mobilising community leaders and structures to support the effort in the primary area identified by ARCC.”

The department is also working in conjunction with the SAPS in Greytown and other rescue experts.

Weather woes

Ladysmith Gazette reports that ARCC chief of operations Gregory Critchley confirmed it has launched an urgent search-and-rescue operation following the disappearance. However, while ground teams have been immediately deployed to the designated primary search area, aerial units are grounded but are on high alert and ready to assist as soon as weather conditions permit.

The ARCC is committed to locating the missing aircraft and ensuring the safety of those on board. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and assist in this critical operation. For any sightings of the aircraft or information, contact the ARCC on 063 505 4164 or 063 505 5485.

Duma, meanwhile, said the incident had highlighted the importance of KZN’s broader aviation plans, which were announced in April.

The province is actively working on infrastructure development at several airports, including Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay, and Virginia.

“As the Department of Transport, we are harmonising our work with other relevant departments such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs,” he said.

The Witness reporters are en route to the area identified as the likely crash site.

*The article has been amended since it was first publish to reflect that the aircraft was en route to Pretoria.

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