A light aircraft has crashed into the ocean along the Durban North Beach, Sun Coast Casino, KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

The aircraft formed part of an airshow taking place at Virginia Airport on the sidelines of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said Paramedics are on the beach together with SAPS and Metro Police Search and Rescue as well as NSRI trying to locate the missing pilot.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has announced that he was also at the scene.

Meanwhile, the SA Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed in a statement that the accident occurred just before 2pm.

“It happened apparently when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. We are comforted by the announcement that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has taken over and will be conducting an investigation,” said the aviation authority.

The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) said it ARCC activated the police diving unit to assist with the search for the pilot.

“A coordinated search operation is currently underway involving SAPS divers, Metro SAR divers, and NSRI teams to locate the missing pilot.” said ARCC.

*This is a developing story

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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