The KZN Department of Transport has confirmed that one of the two pilots killed in the aircraft crashes in the KZN Midlands was from India.

The Witness reports that the two pilots died in separate light aircraft crashes near Nottingham Road and north of Boston on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA) Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division, both aircraft had departed in loose formation from Secunda Airport in Mpumalanga and were en route to Margate Regional Airport in KZN when the tragedies occurred.

In a statement issued yesterday, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, Siboniso Duma, said: “We want to assist in whatever possible way as part of easing the burden on the shoulders of both families. In particular, the process of repatriating the remains of one pilot from India will begin,” said Duma.

Duma also saluted experts from the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre, SAPS and other emergency teams from different spheres of government and the private sector.

The search and rescue team demonstrated efficiency and professionalism despite difficult terrains and grumpy weather. Yesterday’s operation, which was augmented by a helicopter and drone, included clearing the crash sites and retrieving the bodies for later investigation and identification.

“We salute members of the media for their professionalism. While exercising the freedom of the press, the media covered the crash, the search and recovery process, with dignity.

“They displayed a deep understanding of the importance of adhering to strict protocols, which were established for the handling of the remains of the deceased,” said Duma.

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