MUST READ: Search for missing Newcastle pilot, Johan Fourie, continues

The search for a missing Newcatle pilot has extended into its second week.

Johan Fourie, an experienced 61-year-old pilot, went missing last Wednesday after taking off from Newcastle Airport en route to St Lucia.

He never arrived at his scheduled destination.

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A local aircraft enthusiast contacted the Newcastle Advertiser, stating that he arrived at Newcastle Airport early on Wednesday morning and saw Fourie preparing for takeoff.

“At about 9.45am, he announced on radio his departure to Pongola.”

According to officials involved in the large-scale search operation, Fourie’s Aeroprakt (call sign ZU-PCB) last pinged on radar over the sea near the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Search by sea has proven fruitless thus far.

Santjie White of the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (ASRCC), confirmed on Tuesday the search continued by ground.

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“We will focus on beach debris; the Parks Board is involved with search operations.”

The ARSCC has since made contact with flight schools, residents and officials to be on the lookout for debris which may have washed up between Mabibi and the Sodwana Bay area.

The National Sea Rescue Institute is reportedly scouring the coastline.

Although speculation is rife in this instance, Fourie is believed to have taken aerial photographs in the Lake St Lucia region after taking off from Newcastle Airport.

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