Durban shuts another beach following fatal plane crash

Authorities closed Durban’s popular North Beach to the public after a horrific plane crash left a veteran pilot missing and triggered a large-scale rescue operation.

The crash occurred just before 14:00 on Thursday, 14 August, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft, performing its final display at an airshow, plunged into the sea in full view of spectators.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after beachgoers reported the plane had gone down.

Search for missing pilot ongoing at Durban beach

IOL reports that KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the 61-year-old pilot was showcasing aerial skills when the aircraft crashed.

“Police Search and Rescue teams, working together with private counterparts, have recovered some wreckage of the aircraft, and the search for the pilot is ongoing,” Netshiunda said.

The operation, led by Police Search and Rescue divers, also involves the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), and national aviation authorities.

The AIID has launched a formal investigation, and Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed that updates will follow as more information about the plane crash emerges.

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality has cordoned off the Durban North Beach area and warned residents and visitors to stay away.

“The safety of the public remains our top priority, and we urge all beachgoers to avoid the area while operations are underway,” the City said.

Several other Durban beaches are also currently closed for swimming, due to poor water quality. These include:

• REUNION
• WESTBROOK
• ANSTEY’S BEACH
• DOONSIDE BEACH
• WINKLESPRUIT