The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls for a swift, thorough, and transparent probe into the circumstances that led to a light aircraft crash in the KZN Midlands, tragically claiming the lives of all three occupants on board.
According to reports, the aircraft disappeared on Sunday, 8 June, after departing from Virginia Airport. Yesterday’s finding was confirmed by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre.
The DA is deeply saddened by the incident and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased. The loss of a young student pilot – who was reportedly operating the aircraft – is particularly devastating, as it represents not only the end of a promising future but also a loss to South Africa’s aviation sector.
The DA commends the efforts of all emergency personnel and search and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to locate the missing aircraft. Their dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity must be acknowledged and appreciated.
KZN Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, has confirmed that the matter will be handed over to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for an official investigation.
As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA is committed to closely monitoring this process. We believe that particular attention must be paid to the role that adverse weather conditions, pilot training, flight planning and aircraft condition may have played.
The findings of this investigation must inform immediate steps to strengthen aviation safety standards and ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
As a nation, we must honour the memory of those lost by demanding accountability, learning from this incident and by putting robust measures in place to protect all who take to our skies.