THE trainee pilot who made an emergency landing near Blue Lagoon beach on Saturday morning was commended by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) for his action.

Related story: Aircraft makes emergency landing near Blue Lagoon

Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) sent an alert on the ARCC early warning network and co-ordinated the emergency response.

“Two males who were on board, an instructor pilot, age 28 and a trainee pilot, age 18, flying a training flight from Pietermaritzburg to Virginia Airport, experienced engine problems in the vicinity of Virginia Airport and were unable to make the runway,” said Lorenzo Taverna-Turisan, spokesperson for NSRI Durban.

“Virginia ATC (Air Traffic Control) were monitoring and reported the pilot confirming that he would not make it to the runway and was looking to force land on the beach in the vicinity. They confirmed that the aircraft had landed on the beach in the vicinity of West of Virginia Beach and the pilot confirmed that there were no injuries,” he added.

The aircraft was found safely on the beach but threatened by the incoming spring high tide when the NSRI crew together with SAPS Search and Rescue arrived at the beach.

“The aircraft was removed from the beach and the two pilots, shaken but in good spirits, were transported to Virginia Airport. ARCC are commended for co-ordinating the emergency response and the swift response of all involved is commended,” added Taverna-Turisan.

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