A plane bound for Ladysmith reportedly had to turn back after aborting a landing attempt at Ladysmith Airfield, crashing somewhere between Ladysmith and Greytown last night.

Ladysmith Gazette reports that, according to a source, the aircraft – one of three – diverted to Greytown after it became too dark to land. The first of the three planes managed to land. The third has been reported missing, with police search and rescue teams and other agencies actively searching for it. It ‘literally vanished without a trace’.

It is unknown how many people were on board the missing aircraft.

All three planes had taken off from Virginia Airfield in Durban shortly after 15:00 yesterday on a training flight.

Miraculously, all three individuals on board the aircraft that crashed near Greytown survived with only minor injuries.

According to the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC), another aircraft has been missing since last night. It is believed to have last been heard flying over Ladysmith, heading towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown.

Aircraft details:

• Type: Piper Cherokee
• Registration: ZS-KFB
• Colour: Blue, black, and white

Residents in Ladysmith, Greytown, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg and surrounding rural or mountainous areas are urged to contact the following ARCC numbers with any information: 063 505 4164 or 063 505 5485.

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